Gantenbein Chardonnay 2022 (750ML)

99 WA

The 2022 Chardonnay is very clear, fresh, refined and super intense on the generous and complex nose yet with the uplifting and coolish flint stone nuances delivered from the terroir. Full-bodied but finessed and crystalline on the palate, this is a substantial, highly complex yet very elegant and beautifully saline Chardonnay with fine tannins and a salivating, finely grippy finish. This 2022 is of celestial beauty, and although it is rich in flavors and texture, it never settles in the palate and just tickles it. This is an emotional, unique and so highly finessed Chardonnay that is unrivalled in style and class, at least in Switzerland. It was bottled after a year on the full lees in 50% new barrels just the day before the 2023 harvest kick-off. Tasted at the domaine in March 2024.

Tasted again chez Kracher in Illmitz/Austria from Riedel’s Burgundy Grand Cru glass in late May 2024, Gantenbein’s 2022 Chardonnay exhibits a shining lemon color and opens with a clear, deep and intense yet refined and fascinating, inviting bouquet of chalk, flint, ripe lemon juice and rind aromas intermingled with refreshing spicy phenols. Full-bodied, lush and saline on the palate, this is a dense, rich and intense yet elegant, vivacious, lemony fresh and vibrantly calcareous Chardonnay structured by a highly stimulating mix of crushed salts and very fine, refreshing tannins. The finish is intense and elegant, intermingling chalky and lemony flavors with very fine tannins and irresistible charm. The wine is significantly fresher and more vibrant now than when I tasted it in early March in Fläsch. 13.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. - Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate