Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Quails' Gate flagship chardonnay, the Stewart Family Reserve, is mostly clone 95, with vines approaching a quarter century in the ground under the ancient Mount Boucherie volcano. Almost California in style, with ripe pears and hazelnuts under a creamy palate lashed with honey and tropical fruit, light spices, and a long, leesy, mineral finish. It has a long history of aging effortlessly, and 2020 will not be an exception. Complex, inviting, and as ripe as it presents, there is less than 1 gram of residual sugar in the mix. It held its own in the warm climate flight and, in some cases, looked positively fresh, but in the end, this could use a small injection of electricity to get to the next level. Next World Chardonnay.Tasted: 11 July 2023Tasted by: Prices:
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay comes off predominantly clone 95, and aged in French oak, which is apparent from first whiff. Ample toast, lemon curd, perfumed blossoms, ripe pear, yellow apple custard fill a full, buttery palate, with ample cracked nutmeg through the toasty wooded finish. Weighty and proud of it, this is suited to creamy / buttery / rich dishes.Tasted: 04 December 2022Tasted by: Prices:
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Quails' Gate's estate vineyard on the hillside of Mount Boucherie in West Kelowna, the Stewart Family Reserve is predominantly clone 95. This is a return to form for this benchmark label, offering rich golden apple, lemon curd, and honeyed nectarine, all framed by quality wood that adds a harmonious spice accent to the fruit. Weighty and creamy, this is a fuller style of chardonnay that will be versatile at the dinner table alongside butter-poached lobster or scallops. Well done.Tasted: 05 November 2022Tasted by: Prices:
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis flagship white wine of Quails’ Gate has more resemblance to richer Californian chardonnays than that of Old World chards, showing a mix of ripe orchard fruit and a hint of tropical fruit as well as quite noticeable, yet enjoyable, buttery characteristics and vanillin oak. The pleasant crisp acidity, balancing the richness of the fruit and creamy mouthfeel, brightens the wine and makes it feel lighter and fresher.Tasted: 05 November 2022Tasted by: Prices:
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Quails' Gate flagship chardonnay, the Stewart Family Reserve, is mostly clone 95, with vines approaching a quarter century in the ground under the ancient Mount Boucherie volcano. The style is showy, with ripe pears and hazelnuts leading to a creamy palate lashed with honey and tropical fruit, light spices, and a long, leesy, mineral finish. It has a long history of ageing effortlessly, and 2020 will not be an exception. Complex and inviting, and as ripe as it presents, there is less than 1 gram of residual sugar in the mix. Food pairings should include pan-fried halibut cooked in a buttercream sauce, or a burrata salad with roasted peaches, pistachios and cider vinaigrette.Tasted: 27 August 2022Tasted by: Prices: