Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Catena Zapata – Adrianna Vineyard “White Stones” Chardonnay 2014
Mendoza, Argentina 🇦🇷

Overview
A single-parcel, 100% Chardonnay sourced from the legendary Adrianna Vineyard, located at extreme altitude in the Gualtallary subregion of Mendoza, among the highest and most distinctive vineyard sites in the Southern Hemisphere. This parcel, known as White Stones, is defined by limestone-rich, calcareous soils that drive tension, minerality, and precision. Fermented and aged with restraint to allow site expression to dominate, this wine delivers a powerful yet cerebral interpretation of Chardonnay.

Aromas & Flavors
Crushed limestone, green apple, lemon zest, and pear skin lead, followed by subtle notes of white flowers, wet stone, and faint almond. Oak is present but discreet, adding texture rather than flavor, allowing the mineral core to shine.

Mouthfeel
Electric and tightly wound. High acidity provides drive and focus, while the palate remains dense and layered. There’s a striking contrast between power and precision, broad on entry, razor-sharp through the mid-palate, and persistent on the finish.

Food Pairings
Raw oysters, scallop crudo, ceviche, grilled halibut, or aged goat cheese. Also compelling on its own for contemplative tasting.

Verdict
A benchmark New World Chardonnay that challenges Old World expectations. Intense, mineral-driven, and intellectually engaging, this is terroir speaking loudly and clearly.

Did You Know?
Adrianna Vineyard sits at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, where extreme UV exposure, cool nights, and limestone soils contribute to naturally high acidity and profound mineral expression , often compared to Grand Cru Chablis.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
It’s like Chablis on steroids, same mineral backbone and tension, but amplified in scale, depth, and presence. A thrilling wine that always leaves an impression. Also, what’s truly remarkable is how incredibly fresh and vibrant it remains despite being a 2014, showcasing Adrianna Vineyard’s extraordinary altitude, acidity, and aging potential. — 2 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Medium Ruby with aromas of berry fruits and spicy notes. On the palate flavors of cherry, raspberry and red plum with pepper spice, floral and herbs. Fine tannins, medium finish ending with fruit, spice and earthy mineral character. Nice now! — 3 months ago

Carol Montoya

9.0

Tasted at Total Wine & bought a bottle. A little fruity. Not too bold. Good with steak. — 24 days ago

Carlos Perez-Abreu

9.2

When is Spain….excellent blend! — a month ago

with Jorge, Ana and 3 others

Jeremiah Diaz

9.0

Deep purple in color; on the nose, it's clean with pronounced intensity primary and secondary aromas of blackberries, dried herbs, and vanilla; on the palate, it's dry, with high acidity, high tannins, medium alcohol, full body, and pronounced primary and secondary flavors of plum, baking spices, a hint of black pepper, and crushed gravel with a long finish. This wine is intense and balanced, but it's difficult to differentiate the flavors. Overall, I rate this wine as very good. — 2 months ago

Gage Orion

8.9

Paired with a dry aged ribeye and beef carpaccio.. acidic, tannic, and delightful. — 4 months ago

Chris Kurtz

9.0

Great Costco find! — 25 days ago

AEL

9.1

Outstanding. Granular and dense, dark berries, balsamic, fleshy, long lasting. Thanksgiving bottle #5. — 18 days ago

Cindy Glennon

9.0

Very drinkable, enjoyed. Total wine $24 — a month ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.3

Chih winegeeks valle de los encinos — 4 months ago