Deep gold. I was a little concerned that it might be too advanced looking at it, but one smell showed me that there was no need for concern. Aromas of fresh yellow apples, key limes, lemon curd, and wonderful cool exotic mintiness that I also picked up on the one other time I had a Zapata White Bones Chardonnay (a 2019).
Fresh acidity in the mouth, medium body, apples again, Chablis-like chalkiness, and that eucalyptus-mint flavor that is so unusual and tasty. There is a bit more evidence of age on the palate than the nose; some nuttiness and a cooked character to the apples, kind of like apple sauce, that is not unpleasant at all, but probably indicates this wine is better consumed sooner rather than later.
In sum, body of Cote de Beaune, mineral profile of Chablis, nutty complexities of age, with an exotic herbal overlay. To my palate, this is at the perfect place and gives aged top White Burgundy a run for its money; wouldn’t hold it too much longer though.
I popped the 2011, figured I’d addend my previous note form the 2010. Here it is:
Deep gold in color. Ripe yellow apple, lemon curd, key lime on the nose. There are sweet herbal smells as well: spearmint, thai basil, and icing sugar. A hint of butterscotch on the back as the wine takes on air. Medium plus in the mouth, medium minus on acidity, a supple round texture. Flavors are rich lemon, ripe pineapple, clementine oranges, along with that minty note again and just a hint of those nutty caramel-y flavors that come with age. The finish is long, complex, very pleasing.’’
Half the bottle held up very well for day 2, perhaps even freshening up a little bit. The flavors clearly show that the wine has a little age, but it is taking the years in stride and there is no sign that it will be declining any time soon.
A really nice wine, and a dead ringer for a big rich Cote de Beaune Chardonnay. Perhaps a Meursault. Crazy to think that this comes from super high elevations vineyards half a world away.
The Zapata high end chardonnays are well regarded but for the price i have always been scared. Thanks for the positive review - maybe ill pring for one at some point.
Although I am happy to hear that this is age-worthy, I am happier to hear that you think it should be drunk early. Because I only have 2019s and I wasn’t planning on waiting for too long!
