“So pure, unique and thought-provoking." - James Suckling, 100 points

“Stellar stuff.” - Jancis Robinson.com, 19 points

White Bones Chardonnay comes from select rows within Block 1 of the ‘Adrianna Vineyard’. The name refers to the soil underneath these rows, which is layered with calcareous deposits and limestone as well as fossilized animal bones – remnants of a river that used to pass through the region. There are many theories about why the grapes coming from these rows have such distinctive floral aromatics with an earthy minerality in the nose and palate. It may be related to the minerals in the soil or to the effects that the calcareous deposits have on root penetration. At this extreme high altitude, the nights are cool, only a few degrees above freezing even in the summer. The night-day temperature difference is between 15 and 20 degrees. And the sunlight is more intense because of the altitude. 13% alc. Drink now-2036.

Press reviews:

James Suckling: "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." 100 points

JancisRobinson.com: “If there’s one Chardonnay that you could easily spot blind in a line-up, it is Catena Zapata’s ‘White Bones’. There is an unmistakable note of lemon and lavender on the nose, which is quite unlike any other. In the palate, there is a delicious chalkiness and elegant, fine finish with vibrant acidity and slight tang from partial biological ageing. This vintage shows wonderful concentration yet poise. Stellar stuff. Drink now-2036.” 19 points