Name: 2020 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Chardonnay White Stones - 750 ml
Brand: Catena Zapata
SKU: 103239-750-AI
Price: 119 USD
Availability: InStock

2020 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Chardonnay White Stones

97 VM

Qty:

From the critics:

97 JS

96 RP

95 DEC

90 WS

Featured Review

The 2020 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Stones from Gualtallary, Uco Valley, was barrel-aged for 16 months. Greenish-yellow in the glass. The intense, layered nose presents bold aromas of green apple, pear, hints of linden blossom and ginger with touches of lemon and herbs. In the mouth, it’s concentrated, rooted in a lively, heightened freshness while maintaining the variety’s expansive flow, which also delivers salinity and long-lasting flavor. A thrilling white that defines this nook of the Uco Valley. Vinous Media

Vinous (Galloni) | 97 VM

Lemon zest, pineapple, white pepper, cloves, jasmine, crushed stones and chalk on the nose. Medium-bodied, focused and phenolic. Very fine, mineral and tight with persistent energy and vivid acidity. Creamy, with salted-almond notes at the end. Drink from 2023.

James Suckling | 97 JS

I had the opportunity to taste two vintages (2020 and 2021) of the top whites side by side and could see the differences of the two years quite clearly, as the wines express the natural conditions of the year quite faithfully. The 2020 White Stones Chardonnay is riper than the other three wines; it’s a very good wine, but it shows the warmer year with a rounder mouthfeel, faintly creamy, still a little closed in the nose, which slowly reveals yellow fruit and some spice. The palate is quite gentle, with 13% alcohol and very good balance. 7,500 bottles produced.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 96 RP

Catena Zapata was founded in 1902, with a focus on high altitude plantings in Mendoza. Its famed Adrianna vineyard sits above 1,450m, ensuring a quality crop with good acid retention as a result of the cool night-time temperatures. The wine is 100% Chardonnay from a small selection of vines on stony, free-draining soils with a topsoil of oval-shaped white stones. Fermented in French oak, the wine also goes through partial malolactic fermentation before ageing 12-16 months in seasoned French oak barrels with batonnage throughout. Amanda Barnes: Great purity and wet stone character. Vibrant acidity and great tension on the finish. Ben Gubbins MW: Fresh, light and vibrant with red apple skin, lemon, good intensity and tension. Dirceu Vianna Junior MW: Graceful and attractive with lovely aromas of citrus fruits, yellow plum, star fruit, fresh dough and hints of sweet spices. Refined, silky texture and beautiful underlining freshness. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2032

Decanter | 95 DEC

Restrained and elegant, with floral citrus and melon flavors and powerful minerality adding texture and expanding its presence. Ends with spicy details and hints of cream. Drink now through 2026. 540 cases made, 200 cases imported.

Wine Spectator | 90 WS

Type of Wine	Argentina White : Whether it's full-bodied, Pedro Gimenez-infused stunners, refreshing Riesling elixirs, or a tasteful bottle of Pinot Gris, Argentina is a white wine lover's paradise. Wholly bound to just one varietal per wine, these bottles should be treated as fine art. Let your worries dissipate as the wine courses through your body and mind.
Varietal	Chardonnay : Chardonnay has carved its path towards the title “king of white grapes” in subtle yet striking fashion, playing instrumental roles throughout the course of history. It was the chosen grape variety which celebrated the inception of the very first Champagne house - Ruinart, which insists “Chardonnay is the golden thread that runs through the Ruinart taste. “ “Remember men, it’s not just France we’re fighting for, it’s Champagne,” Winston Churchill. The infamous and celebrated French author, Alexandre Dumas once declared a high quality chardonnay wine from Le Montrachet was one that is only appropriate to sip “on bended knees, with head bowed.” And of course, history was made once again when a bottle of 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay was awarded first prize in the famous tasting of the “1976 Judgement of Paris,” changing the world’s view on California Chardonnay, inspiring vintners and altering the landscape of California winemaking forever. The origin of the Chardonnay grape can be traced back to the small village of Macon in the Burgundy appellation of France. The varietal, whose name means “a place of thistles” in Latin, is the offspring of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. Like most prominent grape varietals, the exact circumstances of its inception are unknown; however, it is interesting to note that Gouais Blanc originated in Germany. It is speculated that the ancient Romans, who successfully subdued the Germanic tribes in 6 AD, planted Gouais Blanc in French soil, unwittingly prompting the crossbreeding of the two varietals. If this is the case, the history of the Chardonnay grape goes back much further. The Noble Chardonnay grape variety is most happy in the winegrowing appellation of Burgundy, its home and birth place. Burgundy’s grand Terroir of marl limestone soils and cool climate allows the Chardonnay grape to express itself to its full zenith. Interestingly, the varietal is extremely flexible and can adapt to a wide diversity of soils, allowing the terroir in which it grows to dictate the qualities of the grape and thus revealing a multitude of personalities. For instance, there are subtle yet distinguishing differences in terroir in the Burgundian villages of Puligny-Montrachet, Chablis, Meursault, Corton Charlemagne, Macon, etc. which are all fashioned in their own unique way. The difference in each Climat or Lieu-dit, such as Le Montrachet (Puligny-Montrachet) and Valmur (Chablis) can take one further down the proverbial “rabbit-hole” and into the wonderful, yet complex world of Burgundy wines. However, Burgundy is but one prime growing location for this tremendously adaptable grape variety. The spread of Chardonnay would eventually take root in Champagne, where it excelled in the region’s cool climate and chalky, sub-soils. For top Champagne producers, it became the main ingredient in their high quality, high profile Blanc de Blancs. It would also begin to be blended with the two other acceptable varietals of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (red skinned grapes). The chardonnay grape is now planted in 10,000 of the 34,000 hectares of Champagne. Chardonnay would find its way to California in the late 1800’s but would remain obscure for more than a century due to ignorance of the varietal and lack of knowledge on how to marry it with appropriate terroir. Things changed in the 1970’s when Chardonnay saw a resurgence world-wide, mostly due to the 1976 Judgement of Paris. The unthinkable happened when a bottle of 1973 Chateau Montelena bested some of Burgundy’s finest chardonnay offerings from Batard-Montrachet and Meursault. This event helped place California on the map, changing the face of California winemaking forever. It rejuvenated the cultivation of the Chardonnay grape variety, which saw an exponential growth world-wide. Much like the climats of Burgundy which have their own unique terroir, Chardonnay’s adaptability has found a home in the diverse appellations, terroirs and climates of California. The cool climate locations produce crisp wines with Burgundian nuances, while warmer climates produce wines with opulent, ripe fruit reminiscent of pineapple, mango and papaya. Terroir also dictates the personality, steel and concrete tanks versus oak, and the list goes. From buttery, oak-infused heady wines to crisp, refreshing cool climate fashioned Chardonnays, the grape variety can be extremely modified. There are not enough letters in Microsoft Word to demonstrate all the different nuances, qualities, differences of terroir, climate and winemaking techniques that would encompass in full, the details of the Chardonnay grape. The well-travelled grape varietal of Chardonnay has become the fascination of consumers around the world, becoming the most written about of all grapes. Today, it is planted in over 40 countries, amassing an impressive 211,000 hectares (500,000 acres) across the globe. From Burgundy to Champagne, Napa to Sonoma, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, Chardonnay graces vineyards around the world, captivating its audience with its multiple personalities. “So powerful is the ‘C-word’ on a wine label,” as the famed Jancis Robinson exclaimed. Since its discovery in Macon, this C-word has become a dominant force in the world of wine, changing history, winemaking and the understanding of winegrowing and its powerful attributes to a single varietal.
Country	Argentina : Argentina’s landscape is marked by its extreme geographical features; from the soaring, rocky peaks of the Andes’ and coastal Patagonia to the arid soils of Mendoza to the fertile Pampas lowlands in the east. Its vast array of landscapes, climate and geography, along with truly accomplished and passionate vintners has helped galvanize its name among the very best wine producing regions in the world. Its adopted grape variety, Malbec, is now responsible for some of Argentina’s most famous wines and has helped to elevate its ever growing wine industry. Vines have been cultivated in Argentina since the 1500’s; however it was not until the 1990s when its true potential was recognized, drawing the attention of accomplished winemakers to its diverse soils. After making a name for himself in California, Paul Hobbs’ foresight and vision led him to cultivate Argentinian soil. More than merely an exploration of terroirs, Vina Cobos was created to showcase what is possible with one of the world’s most compelling noble varietals, Malbec, in a land where its soul soars above all others. Its inaugural vintage marked a milestone, but two decades later, Cobos made history when the 2011 vintage Cobos Malbec became the country’s first professionally rated 100-point wine, defying existing standards and firmly positioning Malbec and Argentina on the international wine scene. This accomplishment became the blueprint that many others would follow. Today, the high altitude deserts have given rise to a high quality wine industry. The region of Mendoza has gained global recognition for its quality production of Malbec, the ubiquitous and most compelling varietal cultivated in Argentina. Three quarters of Argentinian wine production takes place in Mendoza with Mendoza Malbec accounting for 85% of all Malbec produced in the country. In addition to its flagship varietal, Argentina also boasts significant plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Bonarda and its signature, aromatic white varietal, Torrontes. In more recent years, vineyards have been planted to Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo. Despite its location near the equator, extreme temperatures are muted by the high altitudes and cold mountain air. Argentina is home to a world-topping vineyard and currently the highest elevation being cultivated at a whopping 9,900 feet above sea level. The Andes’ play a significant role in its climate as it casts a rain shadow over its foothills, allowing very little rain fall and a slow growing season. This slow ripening period leads to concentrated fruit, balanced sugars and acidity in the grapes. From the southern reaches of Patagonia to the northern regions of Salta and Catamarca, the land plays a vital role in the winegrowing and making practices here. Its terroir is well suited to not only Malbec, but to the many varieties in the country’s portfolio. Argentina boasts an impressive 223,500 hectares under vine with an annual wine output of 10.8 million hectoliters. The country has recently edged Australia’s production and now sits at fifth among all leading producers in the world. Argentina has become one of the most important wine producing countries on Earth, the largest region in South America and one of the principal faces of New World winemaking. Argentina is a remarkable land; one which truly tells its story through the wine itself.
Subregion	Uco Valley
Appellation	Gualtallary

Producer	Catena Zapata : In the past 50 years, Argentinian wine has splashed onto the scene with vigor; the South American country becoming one of the most important winegrowing locations on earth. The high altitude deserts of the eastern Andes Mountain Range have given rise to a high quality wine industry. “Nicolas Catena [Zapata] is justly credited with putting Argentinian wines on the world map…” stated the renowned British wine critic, Jancis Robinson. Numerous others have shared her sentiment, including wine writers, critics, enthusiasts and industry experts around the world, since Nicolas thrust Argentinian winemaking into the modern era… and into the global spotlight. After emigrating from poverty and famine-stricken Italy in 1898, Nicola Catena (Nicolas’ grandfather) landed in the rolling hills of Mendoza, Argentina where he believed to have found the land of plenty and opportunity. In 1902, he planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most respected winegrowing dynasties in the world. Ever since, the Catena family has poured their lives, passion, sweat and spirit into transforming a scrub-laden, high-altitude desert into some of the most beautiful, and prosperous vineyards in the world. Domingo, Nicola's eldest son, inherited his father's dream and took the family winery to the next level, building the Catena business to become one of the largest vineyard holders in Mendoza. Like his father before him, Domingo Catena fiercely believed that Argentine Malbec could make a wine as worthy as any first-growth Bordeaux. When it was Nicolas Catena Zapata’s (Zapata being his mother’s maiden name and by Argentine custom, Zapata follows Catena in his full name) turn to take the reins of the family winery during the 1960s, the Argentine economy had imploded and inflation rates soared. Facing a challenging backdrop of political and economic instability, Nicolas concentrated his efforts on expanding distribution throughout the country. However, an incredible opportunity presented itself to Nicolas in the 1980s for which he could not refuse. Ever the academic (having graduated with a PHD in economics at the age of 22) Nicolas left Argentina for a short sabbatical to become a visiting scholar of economics at the world-renowned University of California, Berkley. At that time, no one in the world dreamed of challenging France on the wine front, except of course, the Californians. It was a time of revival in the Napa Valley and the trip proved to be a serendipitous inspiration to Nicolas, who spent the weekends visiting the wineries with his wife, Elena and youngest daughter, Adrianna. He returned to Argentina with a newfound vision in mind; inspired by the apathetic and daring California winemakers. He set out to discover the best locations in Mendoza to advantageously cultivate Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes. In order for the cooler climate, French varietals to prosper, he needed to either go south or go up. He chose to go up the mountain, settling in Gualtallary Alto, where the elevations reach over 5,000 feet. The risks he took were well worth the reward, as Nicolas found that Mendoza was exceptional for vine growing and with each high-altitude valley providing a unique flavor and aroma profile of the same varietal. After having successfully planted, harvested and produced Cabernets and Chardonnays in the “New World” winemaking method so inspired by those in Napa, Nicolas was then determined to see Malbec ascend the varietal ladder in Argentinian winemaking. Unlike his father and grandfather, he was not as confident in the varietal nor the likelihood of it flourishing in the Mendoza terroir, but after the death of his father, he decided to make it his mission to see if his father’s intuition was right. Nicolas spent 5 years working on the 85-year old Angelica Vineyard (Named after his mother) before he was satisfied enough to make a Catena Malbec in 1994. The fruits of his labor were recognized on a grand scale, as famous American wine critic, Robert Parker wrote in his review, “Kudos to Nicolas Catena.” It was then ranked Argentina’s number 1 Malbec in the Wall Street Journal as the first ever feature on the varietal. It would take a decade for the Malbec grape to become well-known on the world market, but Nicolas Catena Zapata is certainly the genius behind the evolution of the Argentinian wine industry. Great praise and accolade would follow Nicolas with each new endeavor taken, with Larry Stone of the James Beard Foundation insisting that “Nicolas Catena Zapata is a figure in Argentina of the stature of Robert Mondavi in Napa and Angelo Gaja in Piedmont. He inspired an entire region to strive for a higher level of quality by his successful exploration of high-altitude vineyards and rigorous clonal selection." His wines became highly anticipated by enthusiasts and critics alike: “This wine reminded me of a 2001 claret or a 2001 Napa Valley Cabernet; A beauty.” wrote famed wine critic, Stephen Tanzer on 2001 Nicolas Catena Zapata (Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec Blend). “It strikes me as being Argentina’s equivalent of a great vintage of Lafite Rothschild.” insisted Robert Parker about the 2004 Nicolas Catena Zapata. Nicolas had created Argentina’s first Grand Vin, inspiring others and changing the landscape of Argentine winemaking. Today, with over 120 years of winemaking experience, the Catena family owns five vineyards (Angelica, Adrianna, La Piramide, Domingo and Nicasia) spread over 540 hectares, continuing what began in 1902; making wines with a soul, of character, wines that will age for generations to come. The exceptional limestone terroir and cooler climes in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, which reach nearly 5,000 feet have become absolutely perfect planting grounds for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Semillon and Chenin Blanc to which the Catena family cultivates to produce their stellar and award-winning wine portfolio. The collection includes a slew of wines from the appellations of San Carlos, Tupungato, Lujan de Cuyo and Vista Flores as well as numerous others. Malbecs, Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons, Cabernet Francs and Chardonnays hail from their 5 highly esteemed vineyards (which are designated on each label from which vineyard). The wines are highlighted by the flag-ship Nicolas Catena Zapata which debuted in 1997 and continues to rock the collection and the world with its incredible power, allure and staying power, as well as its ability to rival the greatest wines in the world. "I learned from my grandfather and father that the quality of a wine depends on the place where it was grown and there is very little we can do at the winery to improve what nature gives us." – Nicolas Catena Zapata. An incredible acquiescence by a brilliant mind, though it was Nicolas who discovered where and how to cultivate the land, introducing varietals that blend harmoniously with their surroundings. An incredible story and an incredible achievement; one that has thrusted Argentinian wines onto the world market and on to dinner tables around the world.

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