Pure and precise and without doubt, one of Chile's best Chardonnays, 95 points Tim Atkin
The nose shows the unique mineral character of the Talinay terroir along with citrus and tropical fruit notes. Thanks to the perfect phenolic ripeness of the grapes there is balance of freshness and fullness with a boney mineral character from the Talinay chalk. The wine finishes with a sappy tang reminiscent of a ripe Chablis.
Situated in one of the northernmost vineyard regions in Chile, approaching the edge of the Atacama Desert, Tabalí commands a unique location in the heart of the Limarí Valley. The local ‘Camanchaca’ fog blankets the Limarí area each morning and afternoon coastal breezes bring cool air which moderates the ripening of the grapes. The result is a range of truly distinctive wines with elegance, restraint and minerality. The dynamic young team lead by Felipe Muller (winemaker) and Hector Rojas (viticulturalist) have already scooped a cabinet full of the wine world’s most prestigious trophies. Tabali Chardonnay is widely regarded as one of Chile’s finest but we would also single out their Syrah (IWC Gold and 2 Decanter trophy’s in 2007) as one of the emerging stars from this new region, with its fine structure and peppery black olive fruit profile. Tabalí has the honour of stewardship of the Limarí Valley’s most significant archaeological sites, the mystical ‘Valle del Encanto’ (‘Enchanted Valley’) which borders their vineyards. A sacred site of the ancient Molle and Diaguita culture, the many rock drawings and carved Tacita stones depict an ancient way of life. The Tabalí mask logo has been taken from one of these rock carvings, which can only be seen at certain times of day when the sun’s alignment makes them magically appear. The leading Chilean newspaper El Mercurio, published an article on January 10th 2014 naming the two best winemakers of Chile. In the article, Felipe Müller is honoured for his ability to understand Tabali´s distinctive terroir and use it to create remarkable wines, unique for Chile. According to the newspaper: “Today, more than ever, the wines of Tabalí are among the best wines produced in Chileâ€. For his achievement Felipe Müller is nicknamed “The Interpreter†and chosen as “Best Young Winemakerâ€.
The vineyards are located just 12 km from the Pacific Ocean, hidden away in a small valley of Limarí. This unique location provides truly excellent conditions for cool climate viticulture and is the only vineyard site in Chile to be planted over pure chalky limestone soil - producing elegant and refined wines. The constant breeze that drifts from the ocean and over the vines creates the coolest vineyards in Limarí. Maximum average temperatures in the summer months never go above 23.5°C so the harvest is 2-3 weeks later than other Chilean coastal regions. The small grapes were gently ripened by the cool summer days, freshened by the coastal breeze and "irrigated" by the local autumn mist, the famous “Camanchacaâ€. Proximity to the Atacama desert means that the vineyard is virtually rot and disease free. The fruit was hand picked in the second week in April and underwent a careful bunch selection by the viticulture team. Fermentation took place in French oak barrels. The wine was then aged for 11 months with daily batonage in order to enhance the volume, quality and character of the wine.
Fermentation took place in French oak barrels. The wine was then aged for 11 months with daily batonage in order to enhance the volume, quality and character of the wine.
Roast chicken, creamy fish and pasta dishes.
The Tabali "Talinay" Chardonnay 2020 is another of Tim Atkin’s ‘Wines of the Year’ (2021), and for good reason. Awarded 95 points, Atkin calls it “as close as Chile gets to the flavours of Grand Cru Chablisâ€, and says it boasts “oyster shell and struck match aromas, chalky, citrus and vanilla spice flavours and a saline finishâ€.
2020 Vintage:
Tim Atkins - 95 points
