CATENA ZAPATA Adrianna Vineyard "White Stones" Chardonnay 2014 (750mL)
99 points. - James Suckling 94 points. - Tim Atkin 93 points. - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 14.5/20 points. - Jancis Robinson ' Produced from just 27 selected rows within the Adrianna Vineyard at 1,450 metres, White Stones takes its name from the oval white stones and gravel covering this tiny 2.5-hectare parcel. The poor, freely draining soils and cool Andean nights produce a Chardonnay of exceptional concentration, acidity and mineral definition. It was fermented and matured for 12–16 months in predominantly older French oak, with partial malolactic fermentation, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2014 is now fully mature, revealing preserved lemon, yellow apple, white peach and yellow plum, layered with pastry, hazelnut, chalk and subtle minty notes. Broader and more generous than White Bones, the palate combines creamy texture and ripe fruit with vibrant acidity and rocky minerality. A savoury, saline finish gives the wine excellent balance and persistence. Ideal with sautéed scallops, grilled lobster, butter-poached fish, roast chicken, veal, mushroom risotto or steamed grouper with ginger. Its greater breadth also makes it suitable for richer seafood dishes and lightly creamy sauces. This is ready to enjoy now and should be prioritised for drinking. A pristine, professionally stored bottle may remain impressive through 2027–2029, but it is already firmly in its mature phase. Serve at approximately 11–13°C and allow 20–30 minutes in the glass.