Chardonnay Duquesa D'A, Aristos (Comte Liger-Belair) 2011

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.