Chardonnay Las Pizarras, Viña Errazuriz 2017

The 2017 Aconcagua Costa "Las Pizarras" Chardonnay is really fascinating, and it's even sharper, more restrained and with higher acidity than the 2016 that I tasted next to it. Winemaker Francisco "Pancho" Baettig is really pushing the wine to the limits—harvesting early and with more concentration and structure achieved through lower yields, which provides depth and complexity. The origin is the same as for 2016, and so is the vinification and aging in French barriques for almost 13 months. This is really young and austere, and it took some time in the glass to open up. It has Chablis-like definition, austerity and crispness; it's pure, mineral, long, precise like a laser cut, symmetric and chiseled. Even if it's sharp and citrusy, the palate has more volume and depth, and some nutty notes appear after some time. It's more like a Meursault than a Chablis this time, with great length, and I couldn't help but think of the whites from Jean-Marc Roulot when tasting this. It's a monumental mineral white, with the coastal freshness and the slate tastiness. This is hands down the best vintage of Las Pizarras and the best Chardonnay I've ever tasted from Chile. It's amazing how this wine has developed in only four vintages. As an American friend of mine would say, it's awesome beyond belief! 7,000 bottles were filled in March 2018.

A white with a beautiful center palate of fresh apple, pie crust, cream and hints of lemon. Medium-to-full body, with a wonderful density and tension. Restrained power. Driven finish. Mineral and stone in the aftertaste. Drink or hold on release.

Another triumph in 2017, Las Pizarras has a flinty, limey nose of crystalline fruit, with just a hint of matchstick reduction. With air notes of baked apple and buttery pastry start to come through. The palate is taut and precise, all citrus and green apple. There is a pithy, rich texture that adds weight and frames the fruit core. The cut of acidity is zesty and refreshing, bringing with it subtle, savoury spices. The finish is long and pure with great drive. This should flesh out wonderfully after a year or two in bottle, and continue to drink well for a decade.