Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 216 cases
Date Tasted: November 7th, 2011
Tasting Notes: As the vines of the Mclean Creek Road Vineyard in Okanagan Falls mature and develop, the Chardonnay produced there is fast becoming the winery's hallmark - its unique addition to the crowded market of high-end BC Chardonnay. Miles from the winery's roots in Naramata Bench, both geographically and stylistically, its combination of light Oak charm and Chablis-like focus make the Mclean Creek Road Vineyard offering one of the more interesting of its class.
On the heels of the very tasty 2009 vintage, the 2010, with its abundant minerality and crisp mouth feel seems to have dialed-in the balance of oak-to-freshness even more acutely. Despite the late ripening in 2010, the grapes managed to retain their acidity and developed more complex character: green apple, lemon, pineapple, spice, hay, butter, lees and oak are all on offer. The wine finishes long with lingering green apple peel and bay leaf flavours. The wine has the acid and concentration to hold nicely over the next 3-4 years but may not evolve much. Drink 2011-2014.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca