89POINTS
16¼/20
Black Hills Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2021 heat dome year saw record temperatures posted across BC, which led to an early veraison and a harvest that was 21 days ahead of the previous year. The warm growing season led to intense flavours, phenolic ripeness, and aromatic intensity across all varieties, with bold flavours. The nose is surprisingly fresh with a touch of green apple and citrus. The palate is California rich, with sweet lemons and ripe pear that entertain, along with some spicy pie crust in the finish. It is much less Chablis-like this year and more Sonoma Coast, but it still delivers. Perfect for spaghetti vongole. Technically, it is hand harvested, hand sorted, whole bunch pressed directly to French oak puncheons and barriques, fermented with wild yeasts, and matured for 10 months on its lees in 6% new oak.Tasted: 21 March 2024Tasted by: Prices:BC | $29.90 | 750ml | winery online/direct, select private retailers |
Grape: ChardonnayCSPC: 780403UPC: 058976503117