2022 Bodega Del Fin Del Mundo Finca Antranik Chardonnay Patagonia 750 ml

Nearly a thousand kilometers away from Mendoza, 3,000 feet closer to sea level than that famed Argentine wine region, sits the Neuquén region of Patagonia. Most wine lovers have never had a wine from Neuquén and many never will—but those who get the chance will immediately grasp why we wish every wine lover could take a sip of Patagonian Chardonnay. 

Patagonia is a region of Argentina where Chardonnay thrives. Cooled by wind and whipsawed by wide ranging daily temperatures, the region is so remote that wineries can struggle to find enough people to harvest their grapes. But the Chard is fabulous, and we’re always thrilled when the rare example arrives stateside.

Fin del Mundo—literally, “The End of the World”—is one of the most important producers in the region, and their single-vineyard Antranik Chardonnay is Patagonia’s just-tapped potential in a bottle.

The winery was initially started under the guidance of genius enologist Michel Rolland—known for countless 100-point bottles at some of the greatest estates in the world—who was clearly attracted to the region’s climate and soils.

They still follow the blueprint he laid out, with grapes harvested at luscious ripeness for power and intensity, then given a full 18 months in 40% new French oak for polish, elegance and mouthfeel. The result showcases bright green apple and lemon curd notes on the nose leading into a palate that’s rich with baked orchard fruit and cream, accented with flint and spice. Just gorgeous!