97pts James Suckling

A hint of flint and gunpowder with waxed lemon, oyster shell, mango and salted green apples. Quite a textured, saline expression of chardonnay with tangy flavors and a mineral drive. Full-bodied and reductive with phenolic support. Savory, saline and mouthwatering finish. Love the austerity here.

94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2021 Chardonnay was phenomenal, way above the expectations for the price point. It was produced with pristine grapes from Gualtallary that in the cool 2021 vintage achieved 13.5% alcohol but kept a low pH of 3.05 and 7.7 grams of acidity. It matured in oak barrels that were not topped up and let to develop a veil of flor yeast. The barrels were 500-liter ones, and despite 35% of them being new, the wine doesn't feel marked by the wood. It has the chalky texture of the limestone soils. Superb! This is a bargain that is approachable now, but it should also develop nicely in bottle.

94pts Vinous

The 2021 Chardonnay hails from Gualtallary, Uco Valley. It was aged up to 12 months in used 500L French oak barrels with a little flor. Yellow with a golden sheen. The nose presents enticing dried fruit and chamomile aromas with hazel and other nutty notes against an oaky backdrop. The palate has a lean, dry character, with a broad, vibrant mouthfeel establishing a surprising balance between the dry texture and nimble flow. A stylishly distinctive mountain Chardonnay.

94pts Descorchados

Outer quote mark The chardonnays from Gualtallary, especially those that come from calcareous soils, as is the case with this El Enemigo, tend to be sharp, with the herbal and refreshing flavors of the mountains, but also with the firm texture full of sharpness that the calcium carbonate gives and that immediately differentiates them from other examples of the variety from lower altitudes in other Mendoza vineyards. There are plenty of ripe white-fruit flavors and mineral tones here, and the body is powerful enough for sea urchins. This comes from Gualtallary, from a vineyard at an altitude of 1,470 meters.

91pts Wine Enthusiast

The wine’s inviting aromas of dried fruit and apples introduce a tasty palate with layers of lime, linden leaves and chamomile tea. The balancing acidity is enough to support the flavors and extend them through the finish. This pairs perfectly well with a butternut squash and pecan salad.

Winemaker Notes

Alejandro Vigil is a master of Chardonnay, as well as a man who likes to push boundaries, which is why this impressive white was made with a little flor, just like a Fino Sherry. Toasty, spicy and salty, this is briney and refreshing with some honeyed notes.