Hooray for Chardonnay! For those of you who left the Chard camp in the ‘80’s after it went through a rough patch (mass-produced, over-oaked and sadly misrepresented), it’s time you gave them another swig because they are back (well they never really left) and are better than ever.
Locally, we have some gorgeous Chardonnays. When perfectly balanced, you will be reminded why Chardonnay is such a beautiful wine.
When Chardonnay is aged properly in oak, the result should be beautiful notes of butter and a lovely nutty toastiness backing up the fruit notes from the grapes. The oak should add a roundness and fullness that will make the wine sing but not overtake the natural flavours. Case in point, O’Rourke Peak Cellars just brought home an epic win for their Chardonnay from the esteemed Chardonnay du Monde Festival in France! This gigantic honour shines the international spotlight on BC wineries and our ability to literally create a best in the world Chardonnay. Winemaker Nikki Callaway explains a bit about the O’Rourke’s unique terroir: “The fruit in the Lake Country Sub-GI (Sub-Geographical Indication) is truly exceptional and we simply let nature led the way to showcase the elegant characteristics that Chardonnay is known for.” Hooray for O’Rourke!
O'Rourke Family Estate Chardonnay
O’Rourke Family Estate in Lake Country is in the spotlight lately for many reasons including racking in some epic awards for their winemaking (see above). The O’Rourke family has two wineries in their soon-to-be empire: Peak Cellars Winery (open with a tasting room and restaurant to visit) and their O’Rourke Family Estates Winery (still under construction). The latter promises to be an extraordinary, epic new destination winery complete with an amphitheatre, an indoor theatre, multiple decks, a restaurant, and underground caves…it is going to be spectacular.
Top 10 in the World at Chardonnay du Monde, O'Rourke Family Estate 2020 Chardonnay: Aromatic and floral with notes of tropical fruit salad, and shaved fresh coconut, this wine is very elegant. On the palate fresh cut spring flowers and pear, pineapple, brioche and toasted almonds with a long, soft lingering finish.
SpearHead Chardonnay Clone 95
Spearhead Winery offers a true boutique winery experience. The cozy tasting room is set in the middle of the vineyard. The production facility is alongside the drive so visitors can feel the workings of a vineyard and winery. Small but mighty, with winemaker Grant Stanley behind the label, the focus is on single vineyard wines with a passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
2020 Vintage Notes: Made of 100% Clone 95 from Duncan Vineyard on the Naramata Bench. The nose expresses pronounced aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, and toasted almond. The mouthfeel is rich and textured yet fresh at the same time. Flavours of baked apple, preserved lemon, crème brûlée, and biscotti dance on the palate.
Sperling Organic Vision Chardonnay
Sperling Vineyards is renowned for their pioneering family history in our Kelowna farming industry and for their innovative leap into biodynamic, organic viticulture and winemaking. This fam was au natural before it was cool and has established a repertoire of excellent natural organic biodynamic wines.
2017 Vintage Notes: Bright, golden colour with a toasty, baked apple nose. This Chardonnay is full-bodied, dry, with flavours of apple and lemon and a touch of oak. Lush mouthfeel.
Nagging Doubt Sallows Road Chardonnay
Nagging Doubt Winery is located at the very top of the Southeast Kelowna wine region. Winemaker/owner/viticulturist Rob Westbury is what the French call a Vigneron one who both grows the grapes and makes the wine. Rob’s great passion for winemaking shines through the quality of his wines.
2020 Vintage Notes: On the nose and palate, lemon, green apple, and lovely hints of vanilla and mineral notes prevail. A true cold-climate Chardonnay offers a beautiful, refreshing, crisp acidity and a surprisingly long finish.
Kalala Dostana Chardonnay
Kalala Organic Estate Winery was one of the first in our wine industry to make wine made with 100% certified organic grapes. Owner/viticulturist Karnail Singh Sidhu has been celebrated for his organic farming practice and winemaking. Kalala won Gold at the prestigious 2014 Chardonnay Du Monde competition in France for their 2012 Chardonnay Icewine!
2019 Vintage Notes: Light oak, aromas and flavours of vanilla, caramel, dragon fruit, and lemon peel. Smooth, buttery mouthfeel. Try with semi-soft mild goat and cow’s milk cheeses or herb-crusted halibut.
CedarCreek Chardonnay
CedarCreek Estate Winery is one of our most illustrious local wineries. Rebuilt a few years ago under the vision of new owner Anthony von Mandl, CedarCreek Estate Winery was transformed into a stunning, Euro-style stone village. Complete with soaring views over Okanagan Lake and a gorgeous restaurant called Home Block, the cherry on top is that the vineyards and now wines are now totally organic.
2021 Vintage Notes: Lime, lemon, mineral, and peach on the nose with fresh acidity and a round, weighty palate. Lovely long finish.
Black Swift Mama D Vineyard Chardonnay
Black Swift Vineyards is a Jason Parkes Customs creation. With five wine brands under his belt, as well as a cidery, brewery and a band, Jason Parkes is much more than a winemaker. Jason has an official fan club– for reals. His Black Swift Vineyards label focuses on premium, single-vineyard wines.
2020 Vintage Notes: Malolactic Fermentation to bring forward all the creamy buttery notes with Lees contact to add some brioche flavours finished in all new French and American Oak to add notes of clove and vanilla.
