Concha Y Toro, Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2016, Ribera del Rapel, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Tasting Note: A chardonnay that is not only flavor-filled but which also has body and refreshing acidity that stands out among new-world chardonnays.

Medium-intensity lemon in color, this wine has an aromatic nose of quince, white nectarine, lime citrus, pear, pineapple, and white blossom with a touch of vanilla baking spice.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied chardonnay delivers ripe-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by high acidity, medium-plus-to-pronounced flavor intensity and a long, lime-citrus infused finish.

There is balance between the fruit and acid structure with the acidity starring front and center as part of the essential character of the wine.

A chardonnay that does not sit on the bench and plays cross your midpalate.

Bottle Note: The majestic high Andes forming the backbone of South America have a series of ridges that jut out east-west. In Chile, vital crystalline water crashes down the steep mountain valleys carving out short river courses to the Pacific refreshing the bountiful riverbank crops and vineyards on its way. Refreshing breezes caress Ucúquers’s chardonnay vineyard 300 meters from the cliff above the Rapel River. Midway between Lake Rapel and Pacific Ocean this chardonnay is crisp, elegant and harmonious delivering fruit and mineral notes.

This wine was submitted for review.