2011 Top 25 Wines - #13
Over the past 20 years, Nicolás and Laura Catena and their vineyard management team have worked tirelessly in the discovery, identification and development of key microclimates in the high altitude wine country of Mendoza, Argentina. Nicolás Catena has planted an almost countless number of varietals and clones throughout his mountain vineyard sites. Catena Alta Chardonnay is sourced from small, carefully selected estate-grown lots in two of the Catena family Andean vineyards: Adrianna vineyard (80%) and Domingo vineyard (20%).
The 2008 Catena Alta Chardonnay shows a beautiful golden color. It is full with a creamy mouth-coating texture and an assortment of citrus, tropical fruits, florals, mineral and some toasty oak. There is a wall fresh brite acidity finishing it off. Just a beautiful Chardonnay. This is one of the best valued Chardonnay's I have ever had, and the fact it is from Argentina and released under $30 is very exciting!