McWatters Collection Chardonnay 2020

89POINTS

16^¼/20

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI'm impressed with the evolution of this chardonnay, one that used to be an oaky butterball, but those days are gone. It is all hand sorted and whole bunch pressed from two Osoyoos vineyards. It remains barrel fermented, but only 20% of the French oak is new. The lees are stirred, and it goes through malolactic fermentation. The nose has a toasted caramel note, and the attack is similar with spice, nutty baked apple, and vanilla, with some refreshing acidity. It is leaner and finished dry and much better for it. A wine for chardonnay lovers who like a less severe style. The winery restaurant likes to pair this wine with chicken thighs in a mushroom sauce.Tasted: 21 December 2021Tasted by: Prices:

$34.99

750ml

BCLS, VQA, private wine shops

Producer: Time Family of WinesDistributors: The Drinks List
Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 389276UPC: 626990122159

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

86POINTS

15^½/20

McWatters Collection Chardonnay 2020

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis creamy, softer chardonnay comes off two Osoyoos vineyards, and was entirely barrel fermented and aged in 20% new French oak, with bâtonnage and full MLF. As one would expect from the above, this is a big and rich chardonnay, with caramel, baked red apple, cloves, and toasted brioche, finishing with a flush of heat. A big old school Cali, with some northern latitude freshness.Tasted: 02 January 2022Tasted by: Prices:

$34.99

750ml

BCLS, VQA, private wine shops

Producer: Time Family of WinesDistributors: The Drinks List
Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 389276UPC: 626990122159

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

88POINTS

16/20

McWatters Collection Chardonnay 2020

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis stylistic chardonnay is on the bolder, creamier side of the spectrum, but it doesn't overdo it either. It has a balanced hedonism, which gives it a broad appeal. The fruit is sourced from two Osoyoos vineyards, but that southern ripeness is reined in thanks to early picking, as suggested by the 12.6% declared abv. That helps to give this a punch of freshness, balancing the richness that comes from the cellar. Melon and soft stone fruits are bolstered by popcorn, vanilla, and caramel.Tasted: 06 January 2022Tasted by: Prices:

$34.99

750ml

BCLS, VQA, private wine shops

Producer: Time Family of WinesDistributors: The Drinks List
Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 389276UPC: 626990122159

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter