2021 Seleccion de Parcelas Los Primos Chardonnay

Bright, energetic but complex with pear, peach and lime, as well as some nut and toast complexity. There are layers of flavour here with nice acidity under the fruit, with some fresh grapefruit and citrus pith, as well as a bit of peachy richness. Nice sour acid on the finish adds balance.

Fascinating aromatically if initially a little introvert – but that actually allows some of its subtler and more unique elements to reveal themselves first. Bitter lemon, quinine, a crushed grassy chlorophyll note too. With a little aeration, it’s the citrus notes that come into focus. Quince and a fabulous dusty, earthy mineral tang. On the palate – wow! This is extraordinarily intense on the focussed and chiselled attack with a searingly fresh citrus acidity to it. Concentrated confit citrus and tarte au citron, a generous dusting of fleur de sel, even a hint of iodine. Incredibly youthful and utterly singular in its personality to the point where you might not even pick it as Chardonnay. Incredible. Such purity, such intensity and enough chiselling to carve out Mount Rushmore from scratch

The 2021 Chardonnay Selección de Parcelas Los Primos hails from Traiguén, Malleco, in the Araucania Region. It was fermented in whole bunches before ageing for 15 months, 35% in new French oak and the rest in used barrels. A slightly murky greenish yellow in the glass. The attractive aromas range from ginger zest to green apple with hints of lime and a touch of acacia followed by a nutty hazelnut layer. Velvety without being overly rich, it delivers an ethereal, refreshing palate tempered by a chalky texture and a pinch of salt. Rich and long-lasting, the nuanced finish ends with an aftertaste of fruit and hazelnut.