100pts Wilfred Wong

2023 Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay, Mendoza, Adrianna Vineyard Vino de Parcela — From the high-altitude Adrianna Vineyard, this Chardonnay speaks in clarity and tension, showing a medium straw color and opening with a beautiful interplay of mineral and white peach aromatics. On the palate, there’s that signature “crunch”—vibrant, energetic, and precise—driven by excellent acidity, as crisp white peach and stony mineral notes glide seamlessly into a long, lively finish that feels both lifted and grounded. A wine of purity and quiet power, it pairs beautifully with Patagonian scallops a la plancha, simply prepared with lemon and olive oil, letting the ocean’s freshness mirror the wine’s precision. 

97pts James Suckling

This shows characteristic aromas of green ginger, stone fruit, herbs and stony austerity. The palate is austere, almost severe, focused entirely on chalky texture and tension. Sourced from a section of vineyard with granite boulders covered in calcium carbonate. Pressed once with whole bunches, then aged in 500-liter barrels and 30% in tanks. It develops flor during aging, adding further complexity. Drink or hold.

97pts Vinous

The 2023 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Stones from Gualtallary, Tupungato, delivers an expressive profile with notes of green apple, mountain herbs, light nuttiness, acacia and chamomile, framed by understated oak and a hint of flint. Dry, vibrant and energized by acidity, it has a chalky texture and delicate tension, leading to a long, refined finish.

96pts Wine Advocate

The 2023 Adrianna Vineyard Chardonnay White Stones showcases its classic aromatic purity and focus, centering on aromas of citrus peels, iodine and dried herbs, complemented by an elegant hint of pastry cream in the background. The palate continues this combination with a sculpted, precisely defined texture that extends into a dazzlingly focused, ethereal conclusion. Initially quite restrained, it gradually and consistently reveals textural depth and length on the finish, and I suspect it will warrant a higher score with additional time in bottle.

93pts Wine Spectator

Delicate and nuanced, offering subtle floral and fresh herb notes, with plenty of vibrancy driving the lemon zestaccented Asian pear and pineapple flavors. A crushed rock detail fills out the crunchy finish. Drink now through 2036. 550 cases made, 215 cases imported.

Winemaker Notes

Delicate aroma with mineral notes and white flowers, in the mouth it is a wine of great elegance , with delicious flavors of jasmine and white peach , gently intertwined with a fresh mineral side. Wine lively and refreshing acidity with a long, lingering finish .

This wine pairs well with a variety of more full-flavored fish dishes especially shellfish like shrimp, crab, and lobster. For a special meal try this elegant Chardonnay with Grilled Langoustines with Beurre Blanc.

Winery Description

Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's high altitude Malbec pioneers. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, third generation family vintner, was one of the first to see the potential of Mendoza's mountain vineyards for producing high quality Malbec. In 1994, he became the first Argentine to exprot a world-class bottling of Malbec under the Catena label. Nicolas is joined by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, in their relentless pursuit of world-class quality from the family's high altitude vineyards. Laura has done extensive work in introducing Malbec and other varietal plant selections, soil and climate analysis, and sustainable practices throughout Mendoza. Head winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, has been at Catena Zapata since 2002 and works with Laura and Nicolas to make wines that express the family's vineyards and palate.