“So let’s take a look at the 2012 Catena Chardonnay, which is a blend of different terroirs from Mendoza, Villa Bastias, Agrelo and Gualtallary, fermented with indigenous yeasts with 13.5% alcohol and a mindboggling acidity and freshness (Acidity (grams/liter): 6.20, pH: 3.22). Even if today the name Catena is closely linked to Malbec, they really started out producing Chardonnay. They launched a Chardonnay from Argentina at $20, the first expensive Chardonnay from the country. For this 2012, the vines used range from 1,300 to 1,480 meters altitude, mostly from the Uco Valley. Only 20% of the wine is aged in new wood, 50% of the wine is aged in used wood and the rest in inox. From the half aged in oak, only 20% of the barrels are new. 60% of the wine is made without malolactic. The old barrels are not filled and the wine develops a thin veil of yeast (like in Jura and Sherry). This has a Burgundian texture with great freshness. The calcareous soil is felt, and the wine is pungent, intense and impressively vibrant for a vintage like 2012.”
— Luis Gutierrez, Apr 2014

“The 2012 Catena Chardonnay brings aromas and flavors of ripe melon, pears and tropical fruits along with vanilla and warm toasty notes. On the palate this is fresh and crisp leaving behind notes of mineral and spicy pears. The fruit was aged for 10 months, sur lies, prior to spending 12 month in bottle.”
— International Wine Report, Jun 2013