The nose of the 2020 White Bones Chardonnay is an explosion of thyme and rockrose, aromatic, open, expressive, outspoken, showy and exuberant. It also has notes of white flowers and citrus, pine needles and incense, continuously developing new layers, curry, something smoky, more and more aromatic herbs, nuanced, complex and with a magnetic attraction that makes you go back to the glass over and over again. This was harvested all at the same time, whereas it was sometimes harvested over four different moments in the past; so this is a bit different and an extraordinary year for this wine, transcending the conditions of the year, with lower alcohol and pH (12.5% and 3.1) than the 2021, despite coming from a warmer year. This is very tasty and long, stony (more than White Stones!) and very persistent. Amazing juice! 5,760 bottles produced.
I had the chance to do a mini-vertical of 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020 together, and the wines are aging slowly; the 2010 is right now at a sweet-spot moment for current drinking. The 2014 was the weakest of the flight, 2016 was the sharpest and the 2020 is surprisingly fresh for the vintage. White Bones and Fortuna Terrae behave very well in warmer years. These whites all have a common profile; they're very aromatic with lots of thyme, sage and lemongrass aromas, wild, herbal and exotic.
#2 TOP 100 WINES OF ARGENTINA, 2022. Fascinating nose of white lavender, lemon, pineapple, green apple, thyme, rosemary, sourdough, almond and oyster shell. It’s medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and a tense, spicy palate. So much flavor and fragrance. Incredibly expressive, with evolving layers of fresh fruit, spices, flowers and herbs. Drink or hold.
The 2020 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Bones from Gualtallary was aged for 16 months in used barrels. Green in the glass. The complex nose presents notes of ginger initially followed by hints of mint, green apple and iodine. The aging process helps to bring out the grape's flavors. In the mouth, it's compact with a taut, saline flow, creamy feel and finish in which the flor leaves a dry, cleansing sensation.
An enticing wine.
Wildly expressive and distinctive, showing off a range of sage, savory and chive blossom aromas and flavors that join a vibrant core of grapefruit and white peach, with details of citrus-marinated Picholine olive and river stone weaving in and out. Beautifully elegant and complex, with great length on the crisp finish, where hints of crème fraîche chime in. Drink now through 2032. 480 cases made, 225 cases imported.
This white comes from a plot within the famous Adrianna Vineyards in Gualtallary, Uco Valley. The soil profile includes calcareous layers, limestone and fossilized animal bones. It's vibrant and delicate, opening with aromas of eucalyptus, wet stone, lime and almond. A dry and harmonious palate with mineral texture offers lime, kumquat, apricot, herbs, honey and hints of smoke that linger in the delicious finish. (Editors’ Choice)
Winery Notes
The nose lively citrus notes and white stone fruit . The palate is a voluptuous wine with intense flavors of pear, apple and subtle floral and mineral hints. The finish is long and clean with a strong mineral side.