2009 Catena Chardonnay

Stephen Tanzer
"89 pts ... Bright yellow-gold. Pungent spices and a whiff of fresh mustard lift pineapple and stone fruit aromas. Sweet, supple and nicely concentrated, with slightly aggressive flavors of grapefruit, lemon cream and spices. Finishes long and tactile, with musky spices. This needs 6 to 12 months to harmonize its oak and alcohol."

Winemaker's Notes
"The 2009 Catena Chardonnay combines the unique expressions of two high altitude Catena estate vineyards. The Agrelo vineyard offers honeyed stone fruit flavors with a rich, unctuous mouthfeel, while the Tupungato vineyard lends citrus notes, pear and fig flavors with a strong minerality and a crisp finish."

Technical Notes
" At different altitudes, the family�s Chardonnay vineyards express a unique profile of aromas and flavors: the ripe tropical fruit flavors and rich texture of the La Pir�mide vineyard (3,100� elevation); the white stone fruit and citrus notes of the Domingo Vineyard (3,700� elevation); the lively floral notes, strong mineral character and excellent acidity of the Adrianna vineyard (5,000�). The blend of these components creates a wine of unique character that has balance, concentration and a strong varietal identity. Aging / Barrels : 9 months sur lies in 100% French Oak, 35% new Fermentation : Natural yeast, max temp. ferm. 18�C, for 33 days Alcohol : 14% Total Acidity : 6g/L pH : 3.21"