Doña Paula Chardonnay 2010 Argentina

Doña Paula Chardonnay 2010 comes from the 800ha estate Finca Alluvia at 1,350 meters above sea level in Tupungato of the Uco Valley just south of Mendoza in Argentina where there are warm days and cool nights. The grapevines are espalier trained and drip irrigation with melt water is used, and managed using sustainable agriculture practices where possible.  The vineyard is owned by Santa Rita, a Chilean producer in the Maipo valley The grapes were pressed and then fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks. 50% of the must was fermented  in new French oak barriques then aged partly in new French oak barriques for a period of 6 to 8 months. And you get all of this for £10.99.
Aromas of peach, apricot and a sprinkling of spice with a floral edge, it tempts you in. In the mouth, nectarine and green apple join the flavours and a chalky minerality enrobes the bunch! Great acidity, well integrated alcohol at 14% and a silky mouth feel all support this great fresh and fruity wine, it has an elegance that is often not found in Chardonnays. The length is good and linear, lemony to the end with a sharp acidity, this feels slightly out of kilter with the rest of the wine and may indicate some acidification that has not quite knitted in as yet, but the oak treatment has been sympathetic and stylish, a good wine at the money!
Score : 82