CHARDONNAY 2021 - EL ENEMIGO

El Enemigo Chardonnay 2021 is a MUST-TASTE wine. You will probably say “what’s the big deal, it’s just another Chardonnay”. And we'll answer that it’s not just another chardonnay. It is THE Chardonnay that received 97pts from James Suckling and 94pts from Robert Parker! It also made it all the way up to number 5 on James Suckling's Top 100 Value Wines who once called it "The World's Best Wine Under $30". What else do you want?

And now that we have your attention, we'll tell you a bit more. Adrianna Catena, daughter of Nicolas Catena along with Alejandro Vigil, the former chief winemaker in Winery Catena Zapata, decided to create their own winery in Argentina, El Enemigo.

Their Chardonnay is a very special wine as it matures for 9 months in French oak barrels (35% new) under flor. Flor, in case you are wondering, is a thin layer of yeasts found on the surface of the wine, which protects it from oxidation. This technique is widely used in Spanish Sherry! Flor gives a special aromatic character to the wine that is reminiscent of mushrooms and dough. Combining this with the complexity of the barrel and the sharp finesse of a Chardonnay from an altitude of 1400 meters you now completely understand what happened to Suckling right after he tasted it.

Do you get it now?

It has medium lemon color.

Complex nose with tropical fruit aromas such as lime, pineapple, and mango, apricot and peach notes and hints of nuts, dough, and butter. Gradually unfolds a spicy character reminiscent of curry and turmeric.

On the palate it has medium to full body, crisp acidity, and intense buttery mouthfeel. Juicy fruits such as mango, peach, bergamot, and lime covered in toffee meet brioche, hazelnut, toast, sourdough, and butter. Mineral and smoky notes add extra complexity points. Enjoyable spicy aftertaste that lasts.