2022 Bodega Chacra Chardonnay

Bodega Chacra was formed in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, the grandson of Sassicaia’s founder, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. Piero always wanted to do his own thing independent of family ties, and in 2004 he heard about an abandoned Pinot vineyard in Patagonia that was originally planted in 1932 and knew immediately it was the opportunity he had been looking for. And so began what is now Bodega Chacra, generally recognised as the greatest Pinot Noir produced in South America. Over time another vineyard from 1955 was added, while a conversation between friends has turned into a partnership with esteemed Burgundian Chardonnay producer Jean-Marc Roulot joining Piero in Patagonia in planting, farming, and vinification of Chardonnay at Chacra.

Located in the Rio Negro Valley in northern Patagonia, Argentina, Bodega Chacra is comprised of 24 hectares of vineyards planted mainly to Pinot Noir, along with a small amount of Chardonnay. Piero also values responsible farming as demonstrated by his grandfather at Sassicaia, and each of the vineyards are tended using organic and biodynamic principles. After hand harvesting, the fruit is handled the gentlest way possible, with movements transferred by gravity, fermentation occurring in concrete, minimal new oak usage, and no fining or filtration at bottling. Piero's aim is to retain greater purity and transparency, and it's this ability for his wines to so clearly express their origin that's so engaging with Chacra wines. It's also one of the key attributes that only the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay across the globe are able to achieve.

Done in collaboration between Bodega Chacra and famed Burgundy producer Jean-Marc Roulot, Chacra Chardonnay is produced from 40 year old vines in mineral soils with alluvial stones covered in calcaire. The wine is aged in old barrels from Roulot's domaine in Meursault.

Other Reviews....
This is probably the finest answer to Puligny or Meursault in Argentina and it will be hard to pass by. Beautiful brioche notes give a fine creaminess with mineral, fine reduction, beeswax and a hint of white sesame to the lemon curd. Extremely textured and tense on the palate with fresh, medium acidity and a long, long finish. This is all about texture and purity. Also intellectual. Drink or hold. From biodynamically grown grapes.
98 points
JamesSuckling.com

A little smoky, cinnamon and spice, quite saline and savoury, with some earthy flavours, oatmeal and aniseed, a stony texture, a slight green apple tang, nutty with some glossy honey richness, and a long finish. Complete wine. Drink 2023 - 2031+.
96 points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front