96 points Tim Atkin, MW: "[13%] A wine that always stands out in a blind tasting - and for the best possible reasons - this Huasco Chardonnay is one of the most distinctive whites in Chile. Waxy and chalky, with notes of citrus, green fig and sourdough bread, nuanced oak and a long, salty, pithy finish. 2023-2029. (2023)"
95 points Descorchados: "This is a blend of the two Ventisquero vineyards on the banks of the Huasco River in the Atacama Desert and about 20 kilometers from the sea. Chardonnay, along with pinot noir and sauvignon blanc, are the best transmitters of this special place, moderated by the influence of the Pacific, but also by the calcareous alluvial soils. What predominates in this chardonnay are the citrus fruits and herbal flavors in a firm body with juicy acidity and vertical acidity. And the rest is the mineral character that give this wine an extra complexity, more tied to the land than to the region's sun, more limestone than fruit. (Jan 2023)"
95 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "[$45 list] The 2021 White Wine 1 Chardonnay comes from vines planted in 2007; the full clusters were pressed, and the juice fermented in stainless steel barrels with indigenous yeasts and matured in 50% concrete eggs and 50% in untoasted oak foudres for 20 months. It has 13% alcohol and vibrant acidity (7.42 grams and a pH of 3.15). It has a faint medicinal and balsamic twist, aromas of fresh grapes, pollen and herbs and is different, complex and elegant. The palate reveals a rare combination of juiciness and austerity, with very pure flavors, depth and layers, finishing dry and long. 11,306 bottles were filled unfined and unfiltered in February 2023. Drink: 2023-2029. (4/6/23)"
93 points JoaquÃn Hidalgo (Vinous): "The 2021 Chardonnay Tara from Huasco was aged 50% in foudres and 50% in eggs. A murky green with sediment in the glass. The Champagne-like nose offers pineapple, papaya, marzipan, ginger and lime. Saline in the mouth with a little chalk and a fresh expression. The lees set a creamy tone. An unusual Chard for the Chilean coast. Drink: 2023-2031. (Mar 2023)"
Producer notes: "It’s a fresh, nervous, mineral wine. The mouth is tense and well-structured. The chalkiness and salinity of the soil come through in the palate. The nose reveals fruit, such as sweet cucumbers and apricots, as well as floral notes. As you sip the wine, it evolves in the glass. This is not a classic style of Chardonnay and we attribute this to its very particular and unique terroir."
95 points Descorchados: "This is a blend of the two Ventisquero vineyards on the banks of the Huasco River in the Atacama Desert and about 20 kilometers from the sea. Chardonnay, along with pinot noir and sauvignon blanc, are the best transmitters of this special place, moderated by the influence of the Pacific, but also by the calcareous alluvial soils. What predominates in this chardonnay are the citrus fruits and herbal flavors in a firm body with juicy acidity and vertical acidity. And the rest is the mineral character that give this wine an extra complexity, more tied to the land than to the region's sun, more limestone than fruit. (Jan 2023)"
95 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "[$45 list] The 2021 White Wine 1 Chardonnay comes from vines planted in 2007; the full clusters were pressed, and the juice fermented in stainless steel barrels with indigenous yeasts and matured in 50% concrete eggs and 50% in untoasted oak foudres for 20 months. It has 13% alcohol and vibrant acidity (7.42 grams and a pH of 3.15). It has a faint medicinal and balsamic twist, aromas of fresh grapes, pollen and herbs and is different, complex and elegant. The palate reveals a rare combination of juiciness and austerity, with very pure flavors, depth and layers, finishing dry and long. 11,306 bottles were filled unfined and unfiltered in February 2023. Drink: 2023-2029. (4/6/23)"
93 points JoaquÃn Hidalgo (Vinous): "The 2021 Chardonnay Tara from Huasco was aged 50% in foudres and 50% in eggs. A murky green with sediment in the glass. The Champagne-like nose offers pineapple, papaya, marzipan, ginger and lime. Saline in the mouth with a little chalk and a fresh expression. The lees set a creamy tone. An unusual Chard for the Chilean coast. Drink: 2023-2031. (Mar 2023)"
Producer notes: "It’s a fresh, nervous, mineral wine. The mouth is tense and well-structured. The chalkiness and salinity of the soil come through in the palate. The nose reveals fruit, such as sweet cucumbers and apricots, as well as floral notes. As you sip the wine, it evolves in the glass. This is not a classic style of Chardonnay and we attribute this to its very particular and unique terroir."
| Product SKU | 349118 |
| Producer | Ventisquero |
| Country | Chile |
| Region | Aconcagua |
| SubRegion | Casablanca Valley |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | White |
| ABV | 13.0% |
| Ships To |
