2018 Las Pizarras Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The fifth vintage of this Chardonnay from Aconcagua, planted in slate-rich soil. Fermented in whole bunches, it spent 10 months in 15% new French oak. Made during the coldest year on record, its steely nose gives off aromas of acacia flowers and linden blossom with clear woody and hazelnut notes over the yeast. The acidity is high but pleasurable and it is voluminous in the mouth but the freshness is maintained. The already discernible structure is coming together in the bottle.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
2017 was not an easy act to follow, but the 2018 Aconcagua Costa "Las Pizarras" Chardonnay managed nicely. From a cool year, it has notes of white flowers and nuts and is a little lighter than the 2017, which was more structured. It doesn't have the depth and sharpness of the 2017, but it has very good freshness. It's vertical and mineral and has nice tension, following the path of the 2015 and 2017. This is now matured mostly in 300- and 400-liter oak barrels, and the oak is nicely integrated. Only 50% of the wine went through malolactic. 6,557 bottles and 60 magnums were filled in February 2019.
100% Chardonnay. Located at 12 km from the Pacific Ocean. Hand-harvesting. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless-steel vats. 50% of the wine went through malolactic conversion. Ageing for 13 months in new (15%) and used (85%) French oak barrels. A very full wine, with a remarkable mineral profile and the acidity is accompanied by sufficient richness. Very deep in flavour on the back palate. Tasty and smooth. I love the fruit load of this Chardonnay. (FC)
I love the aromas of lavender, sandalwood, sliced apples and pears. Some gunpowder and slate undertones. Full-bodied, yet formed and tight with minerality and brightness. Vivid acidity gives this energy and depth. Drinkable, but will age beautifully.
About the producer
Since Eduardo Chadwick took over Viña Errázuriz in 1983, the estate has forged a path for fine, Chilean wine. From its home in the Aconcagua Valley, this estate crafts some of the country’s top wines, including the flagship Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve and the Las Pizarras wines.