Tasting Note – This is an opulent yet very elegant and pristine chardonnay – the only one of the four Chardonnays in the Checkmate range that blend various vineyards in the South Okanagan. So not looking for ‘terroir’ as much here as in the single vineyard bottlings, but I really like the sense of purity and definition on the nose with sub-tropical melon/pineapple fruit woven with florals, hazelnut, light toast and nutmeg. There such careful delicacy around the aromas, and that sense translates on the palate as well. It feels full and rich but by the time you get to the long finish, there is nothing but delicacy. Acids are crunchy, alcohol at 13.3% is in check, balance is superb, with acidity driving the finish. The length is outstanding. It is fine condition to enjoy now or cellar into the 2030s.

Backgrounder – Checkmate was established in 2013 to make only chardonnay and merlot from three districts within the sunny, dry South Okanagan – Golden Mile Slope Bench where the winery is located, the Black Sage Bench and Osoyoos. Digging deeper, there are four different chardonnays, three from individual sites, plus this Fools Mate that is a compilation of 32% from the Dekelva-Combret in Golden Mile, 31% from Sunset in Black sage, 30% Jagged Rock also in Black Sage, and 7% from Border Vista in Osoyoos. Soils are generally sandy loam over gravel. The 2022 vintage was warm, dry and long, one of the best of the decade to date. The grapes were hand harvested with 18% wild fermented and the 82% with cultivated yeasts, in barrels and concrete eggs, with frequent lees stirring. The wines were aged 66% French barriques (50% new) and 34% in larger foudre.  There were 47 barrels and three foudres used.