The 2011 White Stones Chardonnay is sourced from the Adrianna vineyard in Gualtallary at 1,480 meters altitude where the soil is rich in chalk-covered stones all the way to the surface, hence the name. The wine is picked and fermented in successive tries. It feels mineral, a little reduced at first, with some flinty aromas and echoes of gunpowder that is all about the soil and not about the fruit. The palate is austere and sharp like a Chablis and also has high minerality and superb acidity. This should develop magnificently in bottle. Likely the best White Stones to date. Gobsmacking! 1,200 bottles produced.96 points from Robert Parker, The Wine AdvocateWinery Notes:The 2011 Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay has a pale lemon yellow color with gold highlights. The nose shows an excellent melange of delicated white flowers and white fruits aromas with pure minerality notes. The mouthfeel is elegant and fresh, showing jasmine, ripe white peach and pear flavors interwoven with mineral notes. The finish is bright, with clean acidity and wonderful length.
