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.

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.

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.