2009 Chardonnay Catena Alta

(aged for 16 months in 50% new French oak): Pale bright yellow. Sexy aromas of tangerine, stone fruits, talc and flowers. Bright and penetrating, with a subtle intensity and a suggestion of sea air to the fresh apricot flavor. A strong calcaire quality gives this wine terrific inner-mouth lift and finishing grip. Winemaker Alejandro Vigil notes that this wine contains the fruit of several different parcels on different soils, harvested up to a month apart. There's always some botrytis in the mix, but this chardonnay is more classic than exotic.

The 2009 Catena Alta Chardonnay was aged for 12-16 months in 50% new French barriques. Most of the fruit came from the estate’s Adrianna Vineyard, which contains their most rocky soils. It offers a bit more sophistication in its alluring bouquet of sandalwood, baking spices, hazel nuts, and assorted white fruits. Round and savory in the glass, it has the structure to evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2018. There is no let up in quality at Catena Zapata, where Nicolas Catena remains in charge, assisted by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena. The new releases include two white wines. Importer: Winebow, Inc., Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620