Lagarde - Guarda Chardonnay 2022
Price: $27.99
Sale Price: $21.99
| Producer | Lagarde |
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| Country | Argentina |
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| Varietal | Chardonnay |
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| Vintage | 2022 |
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| Sku | 08751 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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More and more, I find myself drawn to the Chardonnays coming out of Argentina. Specifically, those coming from the Gualtallary region. Gualtallary is among the highest altitude vineyards in Argentina, at altitudes of up to a mile above sea-level. This extreme altitude results in massive day/night temperature fluctuations and a long ripening period yielding high acid, complex grapes. The altitude also brings intense sunshine and UV exposure which spurs the grapes to produce more skin tannins, yielding richly-colored wines with tremendous aging potential.
Added to these factors is Gualtallary’s limestone soil, similar to that of Burgundy. This yields wines with a pronounced minerality.
This outstanding value is aged for 12 months in a combination of oak (60%) and tank. While you can taste the oak influence, those spice notes a just a backdrop for the wine’s intense aromas and flavors. White floral notes along with peaches jump from the glass, leading into more stone fruit flavors along with crisp apple and pear. The whole wine is so incredibly balanced and poised.
Tasted blind, I would peg this as a Burgundy, Chassagne-Montrachet… 1er Cru… for $75 or so…
Sign me up for a case please!
Vinous Media: 92 Points
“The 2022 Chardonnay Guarda comes from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. It was 50% aged in barrels for up to 12 months. Green in the glass with a yellow sheen. The enticing nose offers hazelnut and ginger notes with hints of pear, mint, and creamed corn, all over a bed of oak. The palate has an indulgent creaminess with refreshing, tart acidity brings an edge. A freshly-bottled mountain Chardonnay that will evolve over time, rounding out whatever roughness remains.”
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All pricing and availability subject to change.
Artwork does not necessarily represent items for sale.
