2022 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay

The Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay is a phenomenal wine born from one of the most extreme and revered terroirs in the world. Hailing from the Adrianna Vineyard—dubbed Catena Zapata’s "Grand Cru"—this high-altitude Chardonnay is crafted from the White Bones parcel, named for its limestone-rich, fossil-filled soils left behind by an ancient river. These unique soils imbue the wine with extraordinary minerality and tension, a hallmark of this remarkable site at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level.

This is world-class Chardonnay, showing aromas of white peach, lemon blossom, and flint, alongside subtle hints of chamomile and spice. The palate is electric, combining zesty citrus and green apple with a saline, mineral-driven edge that’s supported by vibrant acidity. Aged on its lees in French oak, the wine’s texture is luxurious without overshadowing its refreshing energy and precision.

In short, it’s a masterpiece that ranks among the world’s elite. Crafted from one of the most extreme and breathtaking viticultural sites on the planet, the Adrianna Vineyard’s White Bones parcel is a wine of unparalleled precision, complexity, and depth. It's a true benchmark for high-altitude winemaking, standing shoulder to shoulder with the finest white wines in the world.

100 points
"This is always aromatic, exotic and idiosyncratic, with its enchanting aromas of green fruit, green curry, citrus, ash, green passion fruit and spearmint. Almost full-bodied on the palate with lots of mineral tension. Bright acidity quickly takes over, followed by a long, bone-dry finish that goes on and on. So pure, unique and thought-provoking. Drink or hold."
- James Suckling (JamesSuckling.com)

98 points
"Yellow in hue, it opens with aromas of hops, ivy and pea shoots, accompanied by hints of mint, sage, ginger and lime. Slightly concentrated, with vibrant energy and tension, it offers a blend of chalky texture, elevated acidity and a compact yet graceful palate. It lingers with long-lasting flavors and a subtly malic texture. This mountain white wine set a benchmark in 2009 and reaffirmed it in 2022. Drink 2024-2034."
- Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous)

95 points
"A stunning Chardonnay with seemingly never-ending aromatics of fennel seed, toasted sesame seed, pineapple sage, and preserved lemon. Driven by lemon curd, pomelo, and candied grapefruit flavors, it finishes with cleansing minerality and a structured, refreshing finish."
- Aaron Romano (Wine Spectator)

19/20 points
"Catena Zapata’s White Bones Chardonnay is unmistakable, with notes of lemon and lavender on the nose. On the palate, it offers delicious chalkiness, vibrant acidity, and a tangy elegance from partial biological aging. Concentrated yet poised—stellar stuff."
- Amanda Barnes (Jancis Robinson)