Little Pawn Chardonnay 2013, Oliver, BC - Checkmate Artisanal Winery
Tasted July 10th 2021
Note: A single vineyard expression taking from the versatile Jagged Rock vineyard. Exotic, fragrant, rich, and complex with well integrated oak. Like visiting a bustling oasis market in the desert. When a Pawn reaches the eighth rank it gets promoted to a Queen, can’t be under estimated.
First Impression: Pale lemon with golden hue. Exotic but homey. Seems to always have more depth to be discovered.
Flavours: Medium plus intensity of flavours. Lime, citrus, floral notes like a desert rose, dusty yet fragrant, almond, hints of banana, nougat, bacon, baking spices.
Structure: Round, medium plus acidity, pronounced flavour intensity on the palate, medium plus body and a long, rich, complex finish.
Producer: Checkmate Artisanal Winery, Oliver, BC, Canada
Location: Jagged Rock Vineyard, Black Sage Bench
Elevation: 1230 ft - 1247 ft / 375 m - 380 m
Harvest: Hand-picked at night
Fermentation: 50% wild fermentation
Aging: 100% French oak (57% new) for 18 months.
Clonal Selection: Dijon, Dekleva
Technicals: 14.4% ABV / TA 5.98 / pH 3.33
Production: 17 Barrels
Read more on “The Way We Taste” to learn more about how we evaluate wines.