Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
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. (Tasted: March 8, 2026, San Francisco, CA)
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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.
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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.
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Robert Parker's 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.
Rating: 96+ -
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.
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 export 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.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.