I am delighted to share my findings after tasting 35 Pinot Noirs from the Okanagan Valley, spanning the 2020 to 2022 vintages. Before diving into the reviews, let’s briefly discuss the tasting process and criteria used for evaluation.

There will be no scoring of the wines but rather honest assessments and opinions. I will be sharing with you both objectively and subjectively how I view these wines. Hopefully you find it both useful and entertaining.

What Checkmate also has going for them is the human element that is actually rarely seen by other wineries we have visited thus far in the Okanagan Valley.

Somehow the character of Captain America comes to mind. Strong, Just, Charismatic, Disciplined, and Courageous.
This regional expression actually includes fruits taken from Oakville and Stag’s Leap including from To Kalon and Wappo Hill!

 “Nothing is easy, but one thing definitely true about wine tasting is that the more you taste with intent the better you will get.”

 “You will be one of those wine connoisseurs people aspire to become.”

“At the end of the day, wine appreciation is about getting deeper experience out of each and every bottle you purchase and consume.”

“You will also be able to find those inexpensive hidden gems that will get you just as much pleasure as a $100 bottle.”

Ornellaia 2013 is one of those pleasures that you initially make excuses for but immediately found salvation from guilt.