2011 Duqueza Chardonnay

The fine wine made by François Massoc for Louis-Michel Liger-Belair from vines planted in 1993 at 1,000 m by Massoc's home in Alto Cachapoal so no fear of agrochemicals. (Different parcels are destined for Aristos, Clos des Fous and Calyptra.) Oak is imported from France and malolactic takes place in barrel. The grapes demand 24 months in barrel and several years in bottle, I was told. This 2011 was not released until early 2017. 2011 was a relatively cool vintage . Very tight and taut still with masses of acidity and hugely impressive persistence. Still remarkably youthful. (JR)

The impressive 2011 Duquesa D'A Chardonnay, sourced form colluvial terraces planted in 1990 in Alto Cachapoal, is a classical barrel fermented white matured in contact with the lees for some 24 months without racking. The malolactic was very late; it happened one and a half years after the wine is put in barrel. It feels a lot sharper and focused than the 2010, and within it's powerful and showy style, this 2011 is a lot subtler, harmonious, restrained and nutty; there is less fruit and more earth. It has tension, minerality and acidity that make it electric. There is incredible freshness, chalky tannins and a supple, mineral, almost salty, umami-driven finish. I looked up what I said last year about this wine, and the same comparison had also come to mind: Coche-Dury. This is simply superb, world-class Chardonnay. 3,200 bottles produced.