Las Pizarras Chardonnay 2018

2017 was not an easy act to follow, but the 2018 Aconcagua Costa "Las Pizarras" Chardonnay managed nicely. From a cool year, it has notes of white flowers and nuts and is a little lighter than the 2017, which was more structured. It doesn't have the depth and sharpness of the 2017, but it has very good freshness. It's vertical and mineral and has nice tension, following the path of the 2015 and 2017. This is now matured mostly in 300- and 400-liter oak barrels, and the oak is nicely integrated. Only 50% of the wine went through malolactic. 6,557 bottles and 60 magnums were filled in February 2019.

The fifth vintage of this Chardonnay from Aconcagua, planted in slate-rich soil. Fermented in whole bunches, it spent 10 months in 15% new French oak. Made during the coldest year on record, its steely nose gives off aromas of acacia flowers and linden blossom with clear woody and hazelnut notes over the yeast. The acidity is high but pleasurable and it is voluminous in the mouth but the freshness is maintained. The already discernible structure is coming together in the bottle.