2024 Bodega Chacra "Barda" Pinot Noir Rio Negro Patagonia

Sourced from younger plantings at the estate with declassifications from the upper-level bottlings, the 2024 Barda is a pitch-perfect introduction to the Chacra range. It leads with a radiantly floral and red-fruited bouquet supported by smoky, earth-tinged accents while sacrificing no purity. The palate is silky and suave, smoothly flowing into a balanced, persistent finish. It fermented with 15% whole clusters and matured in equal parts cement amphora and barrique, of which 10% was new. (ML)

The entry point to Chacra’s Pinot universe, Barda sets the scene for what is to come and the 2024 vintage is the brightest yet, bursting with fresh red cherry, rose petal and dried raspberry. A subtle, saline mineral edge and hint of wild rosemary lend complexity. Crunchy, energetic and thoroughly enjoyable. (AB)

The fruit is creamy on the nose, and typically with Pinot Noir that introduces an amount of barrel into the equation, but I might be getting ahead of myself. Lots of pretty cherry, a little bit of ripe strawberry, and then some dried herbs on the finish along with touches of toast. The palate is really light and pretty, before the tannins come in and give it a firm little grip, nothing you cannot mitigate with a little food or a little bit of aging. The fruited core is really lovely, very red with these little hints at black fruit around the very edges, definitely some oak but nothing that overwhelms the wine. All in all this is really well made and delicious, something I would absolutely visit again. Definitely recommend a bit of air, it was much better in the evening than when we first popped the bottle.