100 points - "This is always aromatic, exotic and idiosyncratic, with its enchanting aromas of green fruit, green curry, citrus, ash, green passion fruit and spearmint. Almost full-bodied on the palate with lots of mineral tension. Bright acidity quickly takes over, followed by a long, bone-dry finish that goes on and on. So pure, unique and thought-provoking. Drink or hold." - James Suckling (JamesSuckling.com)

98 points - "Sourced from a parcel of the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary, planted at 1,450 meters, the 2022 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Bones delivers a distinctive flavor. Crafted in a cool, sunny vintage, the chalky soils of Gualtallary lend a compact character to this high-altitude Chardonnay. Yellow in hue, it opens with aromas of hops, ivy and pea shoots, accompanied by hints of mint, sage, ginger and lime. Slightly concentrated, with vibrant energy and tension, it offers a blend of chalky texture, elevated acidity and a compact yet graceful palate. It lingers with long-lasting flavors and a subtly malic texture. This mountain white wine set a benchmark in 2009 and reaffirmed it in 2022. Drink 2024-2034." - Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous)

19/20 points - "Catena Zapata’s White Bones Chardonnay is unmistakable, with notes of lemon and lavender on the nose. On the palate, it offers delicious chalkiness, vibrant acidity, and a tangy elegance from partial biological aging. Concentrated yet poised—stellar stuff." - Amanda Barnes (Jancis Robinson)

95 points - "A stunning Chardonnay with seemingly never-ending aromatics of fennel seed, toasted sesame seed, pineapple sage, and preserved lemon. Driven by lemon curd, pomelo, and candied grapefruit flavors, it finishes with cleansing minerality and a structured, refreshing finish." - Aaron Romano (Wine Spectator)

For over four generations, the Catena family has cultivated vines in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, Argentina. In his quest to produce wines that rival the best in the world, Nicolás Catena identified the finest lots and rows in the family’s estate vineyards.

The Adrianna Vineyard, located at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level in the Gualtallary sub-district of Tupungato, is home to the White Bones Chardonnay. This wine is crafted from select rows within Block 1 of the vineyard. The name "White Bones" originates from the unique soil beneath these rows, which contains layers of calcareous deposits, limestone, and fossilized animal bones—remnants of an ancient river that once flowed through the region.

The distinct floral aromatics and earthy minerality of this Chardonnay are believed to be influenced by the mineral composition of the soil and the impact of the calcareous deposits on root penetration. The high-altitude location contributes to cool nights, with summer temperatures only a few degrees above freezing and a significant day-to-night temperature variation of 15 to 20 degrees. Additionally, the intense sunlight at this altitude enhances grape quality.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13%
Total Acidity: 8.2 g/L
pH: 3.2
Fermentation: Wild yeasts, 500-liter foudres
Fining: Unfined and unfiltered
Adrianna Vineyard White Bones

Vineyard Location: Adrianna Vineyard, Gualtallary District, Tupungato Alto Region, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Parcel Name: White Bones
Parcel Surface: 2.2 hectares
Soil Composition: Alluvial origin with calcareous soil
Altitude: 4,757 ft (1,450 m)
WINEMAKING AND AGING
The wine undergoes cold settling for 10–24 hours at temperatures below 6°C to enhance aromatics. Fermentation lasts approximately 45–95 days. It is aged for 12–16 months in 100% oak barrels of second, third, and fourth use, undergoing biological aging during this period.