August 21, 2025
Rare Allocation: Catena Stones + Bones Chardonnay 2023
2023 Stones and Bones from Catena
From the legendary Adrianna Vineyard, often called the “Grand Cru” of South America, these are benchmark, high-altitude Chardonnays with huge critical acclaim. Tiny production, top scores, and exceptional pedigree - these won’t last long.
99 Points - James Suckling
"The palate is extreme, marked by intense mineral tension, pronounced salinity and a delicious severity that sets this wine apart from even the greatest chardonnays of the world. Incredibly fresh and mouthwatering. Spectacular"
Catena Zapata has been the driving force behind Argentina’s rise to global wine prominence. Founded in 1902 by Nicola Catena, the estate is celebrated for pioneering high-altitude viticulture in Mendoza and elevating Malbec to world-class status. At the helm of Catena Zapata’s cellar is Alejandro Vigil, locally referred to as “The Messi of Wine.” Under his guidance, the winery continues to set benchmarks for Argentine wine, combining innovation, terroir expression, and remarkable consistency.
Planted in 1992 at nearly 5,000 feet in Gualtallary and named for Nicolás Catena’s youngest daughter, the Adrianna Vineyard was a daring venture at the edge of viticultural possibility. Few believed grapes could ripen here, but the site’s combination of intense sunlight, cool nights, and limestone-rich soils produced wines of remarkable ripeness, complexity, and precision. Vinifying parcels separately revealed the site’s intricate terroir, with the White Stones and White Bones sourced from neighbouring blocks that express two very different soil profiles.
The White Bones Chardonnay (2.2 hectares) comes from calcareous soils interlaced with fossilised animal bones from an ancient riverbed. It holds the distinction of being the first white wine from South America to ever receive a perfect 100-point score, and this new release carries a 99-point score from James Suckling and is further supported by 98 points from Vinous. Rich yet precise, it’s a gastronomic Chardonnay of savoury complexity, saline lift, and remarkable ageing potential.
The White Stones Chardonnay comes from 27 rows in Block 1, where the soils are littered with small, white, oval river stones. These stony soils give the wine its hallmark purity, tension, and laser-like minerality. Crisp acidity and a long chalky finish make up this exceptional chardonnay.
The White Stones and White Bones Chardonnays are arguably the undisputed benchmarks of Argentinian Chardonnay, redefining what white wine from the country can be. Allocations in Europe are extremely limited – we have just 12 bottles of each. With scores from the Wine Advocate placing them alongside top Grand Cru Burgundy, these are not to be missed.
Photo: map of the Adrianna vineyard
Catena Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay 2023
€94* inc VAT per bottle
97 Points Vinous, Joaquín Hidalgo
The 2023 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Stones from Gualtallary Tupungato delivers an expressive profile with notes of green apple mountain herbs light nuttiness acacia and chamomile framed by understated oak and a hint of flint. Dry vibrant and energized by acidity it has a chalky texture and delicate tension leading to a long refined finish.
97 Points | James Suckling
This shows characteristic aromas of green ginger stone fruit herbs and stony austerity. The palate is austere almost severe focused entirely on chalky texture and tension. Sourced from a section of vineyard with granite boulders covered in calcium carbonate. Pressed once with whole bunches then aged in 500-liter barrels and 30% in tanks. It develops flor during aging adding further complexity. Drink or hold.
96+ Points | Wine Advocate, Matthew Luczy
The 2023 Adrianna Vineyard Chardonnay White Stones showcases its classic aromatic purity and focus centering on aromas of citrus peels iodine and dried herbs complemented by an elegant hint of pastry cream in the background. The palate continues this combination with a sculpted precisely defined texture that extends into a dazzlingly focused ethereal conclusion. Initially quite restrained it gradually and consistently reveals textural depth and length on the finish and I suspect it will warrant a higher score with additional time in bottle.
Catena Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2023
€94* inc VAT per bottle
99 Points | James Suckling
Dill, limes, green ginger and crushed stones on the nose. The palate is extreme, marked by intense mineral tension, pronounced salinity and a delicious severity that sets this wine apart from even the greatest chardonnays of the world. Incredibly fresh and mouthwatering. Spectacular. Drink or hold.
98 points | Vinous, Joaquín Hidalgo
The 2023 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Bones from Gualtallary Tupungato opens with clear notes of huacatay chamomile and hops. It’s reminiscent of reductive Sauvignon Blanc and layered with green apple mint and nutty notes. Compared to previous vintages this is leaner and more vibrant with fine chalky grip and medium body. Just a gorgeous wine.
97 Points | Wine Advocate, Matthew Luczy
The 2023 Adrianna Vineyard Chardonnay White Bones leads with its quintessentially lifted vibrant bouquet of citrus rinds dried spices white flowers and fresh herbs continuously developing additional complexity from its biological aging under flor. The palate combines live-wire focus with ethereal richness and a gently creamy core that runs through its mouthwatering and mineral-drenched finish. A fantastic iteration of the exotic precise profile readers have come to expect from this pioneering Gualtallary Chardonnay reference point.
*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.