Catena Alta Chardonnay 2013

Professional Ratings

• 91 Wine & Spirits
  Pulled from vineyards at the foot of the Andes in the Uco Valley, this captures the fresh mountain influence as well as the cold 2013 vintage in its spicy and refreshing flavors, the wine rich in crunchy, juicy cherry and blackberry notes. Open now for meat lasagna, or save it for a couple of years, as the tannins still need a little bit of time to calm.
• 91 Decanter
  From some of the highest white wine vineyards in the Uco Valley, this is skillfully barrel fermented with natural yeasts. Peachy and stony with a crisp finish.
• 90 Wine Spectator
  An elegant, rich and fruity white, with plenty of creamy notes to the apple pastry, ripe pear and marzipan flavors. The juicy finish is loaded with buttery and spicy elements.
• 90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The Catena 2013 Chardonnay mixes grapes form Agrelo (15%) and the rest from different zones in the Uco Valley (Tupungato and San Carlos, Eugenio Bustos and Altamira). 50% of the wine fermented in used oak barriques, 10% in new 500-liter French oak barrels and the rest in stainless steel. Part of the barrels go through malolactic fermentation, but not all. 2013 feels ripe despite the character of the vintage, and although the oak is a lot less noticeable than in previous vintages it provides creaminess that makes it approachable and easy. The palate is soft and the acidity is quite integrated with the fruit. An approachable, nice Chardonnay. 360,000 bottles produced.
• 90 Wine Enthusiast
  A full blast of oak and related aromas open this creamy, ripe wine. Plump on the palate but with just enough acidity to preserve balance, this rich, friendly wine features walnut, papaya and citrus flavors that finish woody, smooth and long.