2020 Tabali Talinay Chardonnay Limari Valley 750 ml

Tabalí’s Talinay is a picture of Chardonnay excellence—a 96-point expression of the vibrancy and depth that have made Chardonnay the world’s most popular white grape, stamped with the singular character of its vineyard’s sea-sprayed slopes.

Talinay is one of the most spectacular sites in what Decanter calls Chile’s “standout region for excellent coastal Chardonnay.” It’s got everything the grape loves: a cool climate, limestone-rich soils reminiscent of Chablis, an ocean influence like Sonoma or Margaret River—and it yields some of the freshest, most refreshingly mineral Chardonnay in South America.

Chardonnay is a versatile grape. When grown in warm climates and aged in new oak, it can be full-bodied and ripe. But cool-climate bottles that dial back the oak come out wonderfully crisp and bright—like the Talinay. A swirl releases aromas of lemon pith, mandarin blossom, herbs, and hazelnut, leading to a mineral-inflected palate buzzing with acidity and salinity. 

Crafted by Chilean Winemaker of the Year Felipe Müller East, it’s a wine of precision and finesse. Vinous called it “masterfully executed,” and Decanter praised it as “sophisticated, with great regional typicity and vibrancy,” awarding it 96 points, the second-highest score they’ve ever given a Chilean Chardonnay.

Tabalí was one of the first wineries to harness the Limarí Valley’s inimitable terroir and they’ve set the standard there ever since. Lying on an ancient marine terrace, Talinay is the region’s coolest site, defined by dense fog and sea breezes.

The vineyard brings forth benchmark bottles every year, and the 2020 is Tabalí’s best yet. It’s absolutely shining right now, but has the legs to evolve for several more years.