2005 Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile

New World Chardonnay can often seduce with its sweet fruit and richly woven textures. Often, however, it is somewhat lacking in a distinct personality….. except in the very best examples, such as this. Errazuriz are recognised as ‘terroiristes’, that is to say not that they blow up buildings, rather that they respect the minutiae of provenance and attempt to add personality to their wines, over and above the essence of such a famous international variety as this.

The deep sandy loam soils of the terroir in question, namely the cool maritime Casablanca Valley, are sufficiently poor to control vine vigour with the cool climate affording freshness and focus to the fruit. In addition, the use of natural, ‘wild’ yeasts and fermentation in French barrels, have both added degrees of complexity and roundness. After a heat wave in early 2005, the harvest was brought in under perfect conditions; the majority of the fruit being sourced from Errazuriz’s premium vineyard at La Escultura. The wine combines New World ripeness with a finely etched structure and clean and nicely defined fruit.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)