Attack Chardonnay 2014, Oliver, BC - Checkmate Artisanal Winery
Tasted July 10th 2021
Note: Tasted the 2016 back in 2020 during my first visit to the winery. It was my favourite out of the flight at the time. To me, 2016 Attack Chardonnay was the most bright, lifted, and expressive offering. It was like welcoming the crisp sea breeze that brought over the spirits of the tropics. This 2014 has a more mellow tone with a combination of age and vintage variation. Still exhibits an amazingly complex flavours and satisfying mouthfeel. This took the souls of the old world and gave it a modern feel. Perhaps my review is skewed due to my expectation based from the 2016 Attack Chardonnay.
First Impression: Pale lemon with golden hue, complex and sea-scented exotic aromas that leave you wanting more.
Flavours: Concentrated lemon, lemon zest, apple, ripe pear, candied apple, baking spices, almond, bacon fat (yep).
Structure: A soft but crisp medium plus acidity, medium creamy body and a complex medium plus finish.
Producer: Checkmate Artisanal Winery, Oliver, BC, Canada
Location:
57% The Barn Vineyard, Black Sage Bench
43% Border Vista Vineyard, Osoyoos East Bench
Elevation: 1115 ft - 1247 ft / 340 m - 380 m
Harvest: Hand-picked at night
Aging: Foudre (50% new; 50% second fill) for 16 months
Clonal Selection: Dijon 76, Dekleva
Technicals: 14.2% ABV / TA 5.73 / pH 3.31
Production: 2 Foudre
Read more on “The Way We Taste” to learn more about how we evaluate wines.