Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard

2017 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones...$89.99
I tasted two vintages of the top whites, 2017 and 2018, and the wines perfectly show the conditions of each of the vintages, which were very different. Harvested very early to compensate the low yields and the warm end of the ripening season, the 2017 White Stones Chardonnay is a tad riper than the 2018, but it's a lot subtler and less ripe than I'd have expected from a warm year like 2017, like this part of the Adrianna vineyard is able to cushion the effect of the temperatures. The palate combines great intensity and pungent minerality, which is a texture and mouthfeel rather than a flavor. This has a contained 12.9% alcohol and very good freshness. 6,600 bottles were filled in July 2018.
Rated 97/100 The Wine Advocate


2017 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones...$119.99
The nose of the 2017 White Bones Chardonnay jumps out of the glass with its forward personality and its balsamic aromas that mix aromatic herbs and a minty touch. It's more exuberant than the 2018 or any of the White Stones I tasted next to it. The flavors are intense and pungent, with volume and length. The vines are organically farmed, which is not easy in the zone, mainly because of the ants! That has a great effect in the yields, which are reduced, and the juice is very concentrated but shows superb balance. As with the others, this is more in the style of the 2015, whereas the 2018 follows the path of the 2016. 6,000 bottles produced.
Rated 96/100 The Wine Advocate