quicksearch
Anthony Gismondi on Wine
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Knight's Challenge Chardonnay Sunset Vineyardtext
92POINTS
17/20

CheckMate Artisanal Winery Knight's Challenge Chardonnay Sunset Vineyard 2018

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaKnight's Challenge comes off Sunset Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench, and continues to be a wine where the site dominates the clones. Elevation changes and east/west row orientations affect the wine's disposition more than its 26 year old Dijon clone (76 and 95) vines. Two distinct blocks go into the wine, allowing for separate pick dates to maintain its inviting balance of power and acidity. In 2018 88 percent of the wine was fermented naturally, and post ferment, it spends 16 months in French oak (48 percent new). Knight's Challenge is very much an Okanagan chardonnay with herbal, green and black tea notes mixed with desert scrub and sagebrush. The flavours are similar with honey saline, mineral notes, and a dusting of spice on the palate. It is a softer, rounder, easier-drinking version compared to the other Checkmate offerings. Drink or hold; it is your choice.Tasted: 12 June 2021Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:
BC$85.00750ml 
Producer: CheckMate Artisanal WineryDistributors: Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits
Grape: ChardonnayUPC: 776545802613