2018 Arboleda Chardonnay

Arboleda is the premium tier in the Eduardo Chadwick family of wines. The fruit for the Chardonnay is sourced from their Chilhue vineyard, a 1047 hectare property of rolling hills located just 12km from the Pacific Ocean which experiences similar conditions to that of Marlborough in New Zealand making it ideal for growing cool climate grape varieties.
Brilliant water like colour with a distinct greenish tinge to the outskirts. Elevated nectarine, citrus and delicate white peach scents are followed by hints of grapefruit and gun flint. Fresh and impressive in their intensity are nectarine, lime and green apple fruits which are underpinned by delicate white peach and flinty mineral characters. Dry crisp finish with a vibrantly fruited aftertaste.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews….
The cooler 2018 resulted in 15% lower average temperatures in the Aconcagua Costa zone. The 2018 Chardonnay Aconcagua Costa was produced with grapes that saw a slow ripening to full flavors while keeping moderate alcohol and very high levels of acidity. The vineyards are 12 kilometers away from the Pacific Ocean and have a strong marine influence. It fermented with native yeasts in oak barrels, with only 40% of the wine going through malolactic fermentation. It matured in second and third use French oak barrels for 11 months. It's very clean, with a mixture if citrus, herbs and flowers, and it's aromatic without excess, with a medium to full-bodied palate with some restraint but not lacking volume. There is nice balance and freshness, and it ends with a salty twist. Drink 2020-2024.
91+ points
Luis Gutiérrez – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate 

A very mineral-driven chardonnay that gets going with flint, citrus, green apples and then cloves and schist. A very taut palate with edgy acidity, but good pear-drop undertones to keep it generous and balanced. Drink now.
91 points
JamesSuckling.com 

Francisco Baettig has a magical touch with Chardonnay and this "Premier Cru level" example from a range of terroirs in the Aconcagua Costa region is wonderfully refined, its pale colour reflecting its elegance. Citrus, beeswax and fresh toast flavours combine enticingly here. 2020-25.
93 points
Tim Atkin