Having begun a process of terroir-focused quality 40 years ago, today their parcel Malbecs and Chardonnays are some of the best wines on the market.
Joaquín Hidalgo - vinous.com
We have written, over recent years, of the increasing importance of vineyard altitude in combatting climate change to produce wines of aromatic purity and palate vibrancy. As we have previously observed, Nicolas Catena Zapata took the bold step of planting a vineyard in a location that no-one had previously considered, commenting that ‘There are many ways of discovering a new and great terroir. Luck plays a part, but luck is nothing if you don't know what you’re looking for; understanding what might constitute an extraordinary terroir is particularly challenging in these days of climate change.’ The progression of the Adrianna vineyard since its first vintages has been awe-inspiring – a phrase that is often overused but completely apt here.
The Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary (Tupungato) is responsible for all the wines we are offering below. Lying at an altitude of 1,500 metres, the vines are able to ripen their fruit fully while retaining terrific freshness, in part due to the markedly cool nights. There is no lack of ripeness, yet the alcohol levels are never excessive and the balance struck is truly fascinating. Across the Adrianna Vineyard, soils vary – they are alluvial soils with gravel and limestone over a rocky limestone base. The part responsible for the Fortuna Terrae incorporates sand, giving this wine its distinctive aromatics and strikingly bright supple palate.
We include critics’ notes for the two Malbec we are offering. The 2022 Chardonnay pair has not yet been reviewed but we first offered these two tiny cuvées, White Stones and White Bones, in their third vintage, the 2011, and have been repeatedly impressed ever since. These two Chardonnay are both sourced from the complex limestone-based soils of the Adrianna Vineyard that benefit from a high stone and alluvial sand content. The high altitude - a staggering 4757 feet above sea level - imparts a markedly cool-climate profile to the wines. Luis Guitterez of erobertparker.com comments that ‘The combination of high altitude and calcium carbonate-rich soils produces wines that are both intense and fresh, true to their origin.‘ There are only around 300 cases of each produced each year.
We only have a few cases of these highly regarded wines, so do let us know of your interest.
We include critics’ notes for the two Malbec we are offering. The 2022 Chardonnay pair has not yet been reviewed but we first offered these two tiny cuvées, White Stones and White Bones, in their third vintage, the 2011, and have been repeatedly impressed ever since. These two Chardonnay are both sourced from the complex limestone-based soils of the Adrianna Vineyard that benefit from a high stone and alluvial sand content. The high altitude - a staggering 4757 feet above sea level - imparts a markedly cool-climate profile to the wines. Luis Guitterez of erobertparker.com comments that ‘The combination of high altitude and calcium carbonate-rich soils produces wines that are both intense and fresh, true to their origin.‘ There are only around 300 cases of each produced each year.
We only have a few cases of these highly regarded wines, so do let us know of your interest.
2022 White Stones Chardonnay, Adrianna Vineyard
£185 per 3 bottle case in bond
4 cases available
2022 White Bones Chardonnay, Adrianna Vineyard
£185 per 3 bottle case in bond
7 cases available
2021 Fortuna Terrae, Adrianna Vineyard
£190 per 3 bottle case in bond
7 cases available
2021 River, Adrianna Vineyard
£300 per 3 bottle case in bond
4 cases available
2021 Fortuna Terrae, Adrianna Vineyard
97 points, Joaquín Hidalgo, vinous.com, September 2023
The 2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae is sourced from a small plot situated in Gualtallary, featuring a soil profile with a depth of one meter. It underwent a meticulous 16-month aging process in foudres and concrete vats and exhibits a dark purple hue. The nose presents enticing lavender, mint, mountain herbs, orange peel and curry aromas layered over a foundation of dried flowers. The palate offers a compelling combination of dryness and juiciness. The rich and taut mouthfeel imparts a vibrant energy that flows into a compact yet delicately lingering finish. A unique and flavourful Malbec, it marries a primary style with a terroir-driven conceptual approach. Drink 2025-2040.
The 2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae is sourced from a small plot situated in Gualtallary, featuring a soil profile with a depth of one meter. It underwent a meticulous 16-month aging process in foudres and concrete vats and exhibits a dark purple hue. The nose presents enticing lavender, mint, mountain herbs, orange peel and curry aromas layered over a foundation of dried flowers. The palate offers a compelling combination of dryness and juiciness. The rich and taut mouthfeel imparts a vibrant energy that flows into a compact yet delicately lingering finish. A unique and flavourful Malbec, it marries a primary style with a terroir-driven conceptual approach. Drink 2025-2040.
2021 River, Adrianna Vineyard
98 points, Joaquín Hidalgo, vinous.com, September 2023
The 2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard River originates from a small stony plot nestled in an ancient riverbed in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, situated at an elevation of 1,400 meters. It was carefully aged for up to 16 months in foudres and concrete vats. It displays a purple hue with a bright sheen. The nose offers enticing notes of sage and arugula, complemented by chamomile, lavender and huacatay, layered over a base of rosehip and crushed plums. This Malbec exhibits a dry and lean profile reminiscent of Pinot Noir, showcasing a nervous and taut sensation with a silky texture. The refreshing notes and juicy flow linger, creating a harmonious experience. This red wine combines precise harvesting timing with a beautiful 2021 vintage to accentuate its primary profile. Drink 2025-2040.
100 points, Luis Gutiérrez, robertparker.com, August 2023
There is an usual stony austerity in the 2021 Adrianna Vineyard River, cropped from a cold year when the full clusters fermented in concrete with a slightly shorter maceration and an élevage in a 2,000-liter oak foudre and the rest in stainless steel. It has a moderate 13.4% alcohol with very high acidity (8.2!) and a low pH (3.37), incredible parameters of freshness. The wine was closed and took time to take off in the glass, revealing a very elegant and subtle personality, with the silky texture of the very fine tannins, pristine aromas and flavors and a sense of harmony that was moving. It's powerful but extremely elegant in that rare combination of clout and energy, a wine of light, aerial, with some ethereal qualities, delicate and refined. This combines the cool place and high altitude, the cool year and the stony soils, to deliver a stunning Malbec that goes well beyond the variety. Bravo! 3,400 bottles produced. Drink 2024-2040.
The 2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard River originates from a small stony plot nestled in an ancient riverbed in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, situated at an elevation of 1,400 meters. It was carefully aged for up to 16 months in foudres and concrete vats. It displays a purple hue with a bright sheen. The nose offers enticing notes of sage and arugula, complemented by chamomile, lavender and huacatay, layered over a base of rosehip and crushed plums. This Malbec exhibits a dry and lean profile reminiscent of Pinot Noir, showcasing a nervous and taut sensation with a silky texture. The refreshing notes and juicy flow linger, creating a harmonious experience. This red wine combines precise harvesting timing with a beautiful 2021 vintage to accentuate its primary profile. Drink 2025-2040.
100 points, Luis Gutiérrez, robertparker.com, August 2023
There is an usual stony austerity in the 2021 Adrianna Vineyard River, cropped from a cold year when the full clusters fermented in concrete with a slightly shorter maceration and an élevage in a 2,000-liter oak foudre and the rest in stainless steel. It has a moderate 13.4% alcohol with very high acidity (8.2!) and a low pH (3.37), incredible parameters of freshness. The wine was closed and took time to take off in the glass, revealing a very elegant and subtle personality, with the silky texture of the very fine tannins, pristine aromas and flavors and a sense of harmony that was moving. It's powerful but extremely elegant in that rare combination of clout and energy, a wine of light, aerial, with some ethereal qualities, delicate and refined. This combines the cool place and high altitude, the cool year and the stony soils, to deliver a stunning Malbec that goes well beyond the variety. Bravo! 3,400 bottles produced. Drink 2024-2040.
We look forward to hearing from you.