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Bodegas Chacra

Head to northern Patagonia, and you run into arid argentine desert, influenced by two rivers, the Neuquen and Limay which run from the Andes mountains to become the Rio Negro, eventually flowing to the Atlantic Ocean.  Cold nights with strong winds temper the heat of the desert sun, joined by mineral-laden, limestone & iron-rich red clay soils, and you have the perfect environment for raising Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.  Add in the guidance and tutelage of arguably one of the greatest winemakers on earth and you have quite the recipe for profoundness in wine.

We have been working with the wines of Bodegas Chacra for many years now.  The Pinot Noirs, are varietal perfection.  Never in my life have I tasted Pinot Noir of this caliber from the new world.  California certainly has its place, but the wines of Chacra in this extreme Patagonian terroir really have something special.  There's a happy, fruit-driven, sunshine quality to the Pinots, but with the minerality, depth and haunt of the old world, almost as if this variety was born to be planted here.  The Chardonnay, in the hands of Jean Marc Roulot, display an utterly drop dead beautiful clarity and precision to them. Balanced, impeccable, energetic, taught and a bit shy, they almost beg for your undivided attention, demanding you to peel back their layers and explore them more deeply.  Some of the most filigreed Chardonnays I have ever come across.  Like Chablis and Puligny-Montrachet had a baby.

Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, whose Grandfather started Sassicaia and current proprietor, purchased the first old vines of Chacra in 2004, an old abandoned vineyard with gnarly old Pinot vines vines dating back to 1932 from which the single vineyard bottling "Treinta Y Dos" comes from. Later on, a vineyard of old, gnarled, ungrafted, Pinot Noir vines planted in 1955 was added to their holdings from which the single vineyard Cincuenta y Cinco is made. Piero has converted the estate to 100% certified biodynamics, and it is a bonified wildlife sanctuary, teaming with bees from their hives, birds, and insects. Each bottle's wax capsule is made from the estate's beeswax. Piero & Jean-Marchave become pioneers on a frontier that was otherwise unknown, redefining what can be done with Pinot Noir & Chardonnay here.

Today we offer the high scoring 2024 Chardonnay and 2024 "Mainque", as well as smattering of Pinots from this rugged estate that include a high scoring VERTICAL of the old vine single vineyards, along with his unbelievable value "Barda" and a couple of new wines, their new Malbec, and the first Patagonian Trousseau that I have ever seen!

See below for scores and writeups on each wine.

Wines arrive this week. 6 and 12 bottle discounts at checkout!

 

1)Bodegas Chacra Pinot Noir "Barda" 2024
Barda is the local term for “eroded steep slope” Often perceived as the “village level” Pinot Noir at Chacra, Sourced from the estate’s “youngest vines” planted in the 1990s. The vines are ungrafted, from an original massale selection on sandy calcareous soils presenting a more high toned aromatic component in the wine. Barda is fermented in equal parts concrete and French oak, 15% of which is new followed by an 11 month elévage. Barda is pure, mineral-driven, and powerful Pinot Noir with concentrated flavors of red plum and dried raspberry,  Sandalwood accents linger on the finish, showing caressing tannins.  An impeccable, entry level but serious pinot noir that is a pleasure to drink any night of the week.

2) Bodegas Chacra Pinot Noir "Sin Azufre" 2024
Sin Azufre is a handcrafted personal project by Piero himself. It is an experiment of making wine without science, using only the eyes, nose, palette, and reasoning as tools. These organic and biodynamic grapes are harvested from a special section of the Cincuenta y Cinco vineyard. In 600L barrels, the fermentation begins spontaneously on day 3 to 5 of maceration. At the end of the fermentation cycle (usually 15 to 21 days), the must is placed in used barriques for 11 months, without the inclusion of pressed wine. Sin Azufre characteristics are soft, balanced, lively, transparent, and extremely energetic with pronounced minerality and well integrated soft tannins. Pairs universally.

94+ Points, Wine Advocate: "Deriving from the same site as the Cincuenta y Cinco bottling, the 2024 Sin Azufre saw no sulfur added throughout the vinification process, save for the bottling process. It introduces itself with a strikingly pure, deep, intense and weightless bouquet with a darker-fruited profile than observed elsewhere in the range. The palate is a compelling combination of fluid, compact and tensile, seamlessly releasing into a juicy, elegant coating and focused finish with an earth-tinged undercurrent and citrus-driven fit. It's a fantastically pure and lively expression of Patagonia Pinot Noir."

3) Bodegas Chacra Pinot Noir "Cincuenta Y Cinco" 2023
Bodegas Chacra Pinot Noir "Cincuenta Y Cinco" 2024
Cincuenta y Cinco comes from vineyards planted in 1955 which gently rest on a sea of pebbles, typical in riverbed soils. It is fermented whole cluster at very low temperatures, enhancing the floral characteristics of the wine. Cincuenta y Cinco has the highest amount of tension of all the Chacra wines while it still retains a comfortable ease. There is a wonderful purity in this wine with dried strawberry and iodine. This refined red mixes crushed savory berries and cherry fruit with undertones of smoke, game and mineral. A fine length. Aged 11 months in concrete tanks for 50% and 50% in 2nd, 3rd and 4th use French oak barrels. 100% natural and unfiltered. Organic and biodynamic.  Absolutely gorgeous wine.

2023: 97 points JS: "This is incredibly fresh and vivid with orange peel, orange blossoms, cherries and hints of rose stem. Medium-bodied with a sleek and racy palate of creamy, fine tannins and a energetic length and purity. Crunchy. 100% whole cluster. From vineyards planted in 1955. Drink or hold.

2024: 97 points JS, 96+ WA: Extremely aromatic, with very floral aromas of lavender, violets, peaches and citrus blossoms. It’s medium-bodied with firm and crunchy tannins. Structured and solid as a rock. Only 11% alcohol. Magic. Drink now. Why wait?

(96+ points) The 2024 Cincuenta y Cinco was sourced from vines planted in 1955 on sand-dominated soils with silt and a small amount of clay content. It offers a hauntingly multidimensional expression of the Chacra project with a weightless allure than sets it apart within an impressive roster of wines. It opens with a detailed, blue-fruited nose radiating violet and rose petal aromas with an undercurrent of turned earth. The palate deftly balances a sleek, suave profile with nimble energy and palpable grace, effortlessly transitioning into a long, nuanced, ethereal finish whose complexity and dimension dramatically juxtaposes its slender frame. While I feel the Treinta y Dos bottling offers a slightly more complete expression of the Chacra project, this is a spectacular example of Patagonian Pinot Noir and one to measure others against.

4) Bodegas Chacra Pinot Noir "Treinta Y Dos" 2018
Bodegas Chacra Pinot Noir "Treinta Y Dos" 2022 750ml
Bodegas Chacra Pinot Noir "Treinta Y Dos" 2023 750ml
Chacra Treinta y Dos is a single vineyard wine, made from old vineyards planted in 1932 on a land layered with clay, sand and pebbles. The most structured of all Chacra’s wines, Chacra Treinta y Dos is meant to be aged. Its soft characteristics and velvety tannins, however, make it drinkable at a younger age. This red balances toasted spice and mesquite notes with the macerated cherry fruit character, remaining fresh through the mineral-tinged finish.

2018: 100 Points + Wine of the Year,  JS: The structure of this is phenomenal and redefines pinot noir in Argentina. Aromas and flavors of dried strawberry, iodine, oyster shell, wet earth, fresh mushrooms and flowers. Full-bodied, tight and focused with chewy tannins and a long, extensive mouth feel. Better after 2024.

2022: 99 Points, JS: Violets, black cherries, raspberries, crushed stone and orange blossoms. Notes of flower stems, dried sand and bark. Medium- to full-bodied with layers of fine tannins that fill the mouth, giving a crunchiness and open chewiness that reminds me of fine cashmere. Bright and lively. At the end it’s like a freshly cut orange just at the right ripeness. Drink or hold.

97 Points, Vinous: "Fermented with 50% whole clusters in both barrel and concrete vat, the 2022 Pinot Noir Treinta y Dos hails from Mainqué in Patagonia. A bright, ruby-hued wine, the nose presents aromas of wild herbs, sour cherry and raspberry, further revealing hints of lavender, rose and cotton candy with time in the glass. Dry and quite silky on the palate, there is a light grip to the mouthfeel, allowing the Treinta y Dos to unleash its energy in a nuanced, lasting finish. This is an intellectual wine."

2023: 99 Points, JS: "Violets, black cherries, raspberries, crushed stone and orange blossoms. Notes of flower stems, dried sand and bark. Medium- to full-bodied with layers of fine tannins that fill the mouth, giving a crunchiness and open chewiness that reminds me of fine cashmere. Bright and lively. At the end it’s like a freshly cut orange just at the right ripeness. Drink or hold. 

96 Points, Amanda Barnes, Decanter: Coming from Chacra’s oldest block of vines, planted in 1932, you might expect this to be the most concentrated wine, but it is actually the ballerina of the portfolio – strong but elegant, uplifting yet poised. A boney, chalky minerality underpins the wine, while heady notes of violets, crushed raspberries and tart cranberries linger above. There’s great depth, although it floats to its seemingly effortless finish. Drink 2025-2038

5) Bodegas Chacra Chardonnay "Mainque" 2024 750ml
Done in collaboration with the iconic Meursault producer Jean-Marc Roulot, Piicked early as the grapes ripened early but maintained acidity. Fermented in barrel without malolactic, spending 11 months in barrique, this has an up-front fruit, a salinity shared with Chacra Chardonnay, and a tasty finish lent by the calcareous components of the alluvial soil. Aged 18% in concrete eggs, 25% in stainless steel tanks and 57% in French oak barrels (12% new) for 10 months.

97 Points JS: So linear and driven, with so much tension and intensity. Aromas of sliced apples, lemons and stones. Medium-bodied with flavors of apples, seashells, lemons and crushed stones. It goes on and on. Matured in 30% amphorae and 70% oak. Fantastic. Drink or hold.

94 Points WA: Sourced predominately from sandy soils on the same property as the Lunita Pinot Noir, the 2024 Mainqué Chardonnay opens with a fresh, lifted bouquet with floral and herbal flourishes that gain volume with aeration. The palate is fittingly chiseled, slender and delicate, releasing into a long, nuanced and iodine-tinged finish that becomes increasingly nimble and dynamic in the glass

6) Bodegas Chacra Chardonnay 2024
Done in collaboration with Jean-Marc Roulot, produced from 40 year old vines in mineral soils with alluvial stones covered in calcaire. The wine is intense and energetic, high pitched and lively, round and austere, refined and mineral. It has a dry mouthfeel and a saltiness natural to the area. Aged 20% in concrete eggs, 15% in stainless steel tanks and 20% in used ex Roulot Meursault French oak barrels for 10 months.  This is stellar Chardonnay, with all the crackling, vibrant minerality that you expect from Roulot, with a lovely hints of light tropical fruit and a great mid-body texture. This Patagonian Chardonnay is one for the books. Balanced and textured, the wine is dominated by notes of yellow stone fruit, citrus, wax, and lemon cream -- a stunning example of just how elegant Chardonnay from the Southern Hemisphere can be!

98 Points JS:  "Aromas of honeysuckle, limes, green apples and a hint of cedar. It’s medium-bodied yet very dense and compact on the palate. It’s like a tight fist with the fruit and fine phenolics. Long finish. A structured and impressive young wine. Drink in two or three years."

7) Bodegas Chacra Trousseau 2024
Piero Incisa makes this Trousseau from old vines planted by a longtime neighbor. When we tasted it, we were struck by how focused and elegant it is. The aromatics are clear and detailed—citrus, stone fruit, cranberry, strawberry, and a hint of dried honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a subtle, floral finish. There’s no flash here, just quiet confidence and balance. Drink now or hold.

7) Bodegas Chacra Roka Malbec 2024
‘Roka’ is Chacra’s first venture into the world of Malbec. The wine is dark and delicious, marked by flavors of violets, ripe plums, wet earth, and sappy wild berries.

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