Chile, particularly its coastal Limarí vineyards, was the undoubted star while our two experts suggested Argentina should focus on Malbec. See 6 wines from our panel tasting, two are above 95 points, five are available to buy in China.
6 South American Chardonnay - Decanter panel tasting
Wines
Santa Carolina, Reserva de Familia, Casablanca, Chile 2011
85
Concentrated, dense, deep, but very very ripe, this is a wine for smoked salmon.
Viña Casablanca, Nimbus Single Vineyard, Casablanca, Chile 2013
85
Intense, ripe, concentrated, and sweet, filled with tropical fruits flavours and a hint of sweet spice. Rich and pleasant with a harmonious finish.
Trivento, Reserve, Tupungato, Argentina 2014
85
Exotic, perfumed with citrus zest and grapey notes as well as spicy ginger. Dry, crisp acidity and displaying a savoury persistent finish.
Errazuriz, Wild Ferment, Casablanca, Chile 2014
88
Opulent creamy and butterscotch notes combine with a delicate flinty note. Hot vintage gives deeper and rounder flavours, zesty acidity, and attractive savoury notes.
Pandolfi Price, Los Patricios, Itata, Chile 2012
95
Enticingly complex with oxidative and nutty aromas. It includes aromas of citrus fruits, bruised apples as well as earthy and flinty notes. Dry, racy acidity, lovely fruit and beautiful savoury finish. Complex with well-judged oak. Not an easy wine to understand but for those who do it is exceptional.
Maycas del Limarí, Quebrada Seca, Limarí, Chile 2013
95
Forward and expressive with buckets of tropical fruits, refined mineral overtones and attractive sweet spices from well-judged oak. Enticingly complex with unusual notes of smoky meat, tarragon and attractive and spicy notes.