Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada2021 is year three for the Unsworth Chardonnay, which is no doubt surprising to some, given the attention this grape is getting at the winery. This fruit comes off Mildenstein Vineyard, a Cowichan slope covered in marine silts. The winemaking is rudimentary, with a whole cluster press, partially native fermented in neutral barriques, and aged 8 months on its lees. This is the best yet, with almost luscious acidity, in essence, tempered by the lees, with a salty hazelnut inner core, fresh lemon and green apple palate, and mineral finish. An impressive bottle with new vineyards and a new production facility to follow shortly. Oysters are the match.Tasted: 09 December 2023Tasted by: Prices:
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaQuickly rising to the top echelon of BC chardonnay, this 2021 Chardonnay from Unsworth is only their 3rd vintage released. From the Mildenstein Vineyard's hillbank marine silts, this was whole cluster pressed and partially native fermented in neutral barriques on lees. Crisp and taut, latticed with lemon peel, this is lashed with marine salinity and bedded with fine downy lees. Green apple, lemon blossoms, and Meyer lemon are woven across the 12.5% palate, finishing with a saline wake. Think Chablis x BC in this crisp Wine Islands wine.Tasted: 16 December 2023Tasted by: Prices: