Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Chardonnay La Côte Vineyard 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt 12.5% alcohol, this chardonnay is fresh and fruit-driven, mixing green apples, quince, and lemon pith dusted with a stony mineral, Similkameen sagebrush, with just a twist of oak. La Côte Vineyard is currently in transition to certified organic status. This chardonnay was hand-harvested in mid-September, the whole cluster pressed, lightly settled, and racked to a 50/50 mix of French oak puncheons and stainless steel tanks. Half the barrel lots, or 30% of the wine, was allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation before all the lots had an eight-month sleep with occasional lees stirring. Serve with a favourite baked white fish.Tasted: 14 January 2022Tasted by: Prices:
Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Chardonnay La Côte Vineyard 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Clos du Soleil's La Côte Vineyard, which is on track for organic certification, this chardonnay puts its Keremeos terroir at the forefront. The ripeness, and winemaking for that matter, is restrained, showing green apple, lemon, and delicate orchard blossoms that are framed more by the Similkameen's distinctive salty minerality than the subtle touch of wood. Some lees character helps to broaden the palate, but the texture is still laser sharp and precise, with a lip-smacking freshness that is the undercurrent of this wine. Exceptional value.Tasted: 13 November 2021Tasted by: Prices:
Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Chardonnay La Côte Vineyard 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Keremeos' organically farmed La Côte Vineyard, this was whole cluster pressed, and racked into an equal mix of French puncheons and stainless for ferment and partial MLF. All rested on lees for 8 months, with occasional bâtonnage before a gentle filtration and bottling. This lees-decked white is lit with a stony buzz, layered throughout crisp pear, green apple, shining lemon that runs a taut palate. There's a lovely interplay here between lightly creamy lees and nervy stony tension that works really well, culminating in a lingering shimmer. Looking forward to watching where this chardonnay project goes.Tasted: 27 October 2021Tasted by: Prices: