Viña Santa Rita, one of Chile’s best producers, dates from the late 19th century, making it also one of that country’s oldest producers. Not resting on their laurels, they introduced the Floresta line, which they say represents wines from specific parcels of traditional varieties. Limari lies a bit inland from the Pacific, which Sebastián Labbé, Santa Rita’s winemaker responsible for their ultra-premium bottlings, says its perfect climate and its decomposed limestone soil are ideal for Chardonnay. It’s hard to argue with that assessment after tasting this stellar Chardonnay. Vibrancy balances a subtle yet delectable creaminess. Labbé maintains that the wine’s energy — and there is plenty of it — comes from “the magic of the soil and climate.” It is rare to find this graceful and balanced Chardonnay at the price.
92 Michael Apstein – July 16, 2025