Queen Taken Chardonnay 2014, Oliver, BC - Checkmate Artisanal Winery
Tasted July 10th 2021
Note: The flag ship Chardonnay from Checkmate taken from 40+ year-old vines of the fabled Dekleva Vineyard. It’s a substantial Chardonnay worthy of a tide-turning move like this wine’s namesake.
First Impression: Golden hue with a substantial, rich, almost powerful and still elegant complexity.
Flavours: Waves of diverse of flavours, fresh ripe apples, lemon, Asian pear, nectarines, melon, flora perfume, rose, rose petals, incense, and Indian spices.
Structure: Medium plus but mild acidity, full bodied with pronounced flavour intensity, and a long finish with much longing.
Producer: Checkmate Artisanal Winery, Oliver, BC, Canada
Location: Dekleva Vineyard, Golden Mile Bench DVA
Elevation: 1188 ft - 1237 ft / 362 m - 377 m
Harvest: Hand-picked at night
Fermentation: 50% wild fermentation
Aging: 100% French oak (36% new); aged for 17 months
Clonal Selection: Dekleva
Technicals: 14.3% ABV / TA 6.37 / pH 3.46
Production: 9 Barrels
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