Our Chardonnay

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A Noble Grape

Chardonnay, known for its remarkable adaptability, is grown in nearly every wine region of the world. It is uniquely able to represent the terroir of its cultivation and the winemaker’s influence. At CheckMate, we aim to showcase the Okanagan’s unique ability to produce Chardonnays of tension and generosity distinct from any other region in the world. 

Hand Harvested
Wild Fermentation
Elevage
Unfined and Unfiltered
Winemaking Process

The Chardonnay clusters arrive at the winery in small picking containers, where each bunch is inspected​,​ and hand sorted. The whole bunches are then gently pressed. 

Naturally​​​-​occurring yeasts compete as each batch ferments, imparting layers of texture and nuance. Malolactic fermentation gradually softens the wines as they cellar in oak.

During barrel fermentation and maturation, winemakers carefully undertake a regimen of bâtonnage. This periodic stirring of the lees in the barrel refines the texture and mouthfeel of the finished wine. Using a variety of vessels​,​ from French cooperages to concrete eggs, allow​s​ us to bring out texture and complexity.

Finally, the finished wine goes to bottle — unfined and unfiltered, to preserve a complete expression of Chardonnay and the terroir.
CheckMate Queen Taken Chardonnay
  • Wine Accolade - 94 Points - Anthony Gismondi, Wine Writer
  • Wine Accolade - 94 Points Christopher Waters

Queen Taken Chardonnay

Vibrant and rich, Queen Taken comes from extremely low-yielding vines at our estate up to 50 years of age, resulting in a deep concentration of flavours in the wine.

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CheckMate Capture Chardonnay
  • Wine Accolade 92 Points Anthony Gismondi
  • Wine Accolade - 92 points - Wine Enthusiast

Capture Chardonnay

Located on the US-Canada border, the Border Vista vineyard is the warmest site we source from, resulting in a full-bodied wine showing generous fruit. 

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CheckMate Little Pawn Chardonnay
  • 93 Points Wine Enthusiast

Little Pawn Chardonnay

A striking vineyard framed by jutting rocks and rugged national parks, Jagged Rock lends complexity to the wine

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CheckMate Fool's Mate Chardonnay
  • Wine Accolade - 94 Points - Anthony Gismondi, Wine Writer
  • 93 Points Wine Enthusiast

Fool’s Mate Chardonnay

A blend of our vineyards, this wine represents the best representation of Chardonnay in the Okanagan Valley. 

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CheckMate Queen's Advantage Chardonnay

Queen’s Advantage Chardonnay

Sourced from our estate Combret vineyard, Queen’s Advantage showcases the concentration and delicate finesse of our historic 1973 plantings of Chardonnay. 

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CheckMate Knight's Challenge Chardonnay

Knight’s Challenge Chardonnay

The Sunset vineyard receives late sun exposure on the low-vigour soils of the Black Sage Bench. Sourced from two micro-blocks, Knight’s Challenge achieves a perfect balance of power and elegance. 

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Attack Chardonnay

TBD: The Sunset vineyard receives late sun exposure on the low-vigour soils of the Black Sage Bench. Sourced from two micro-blocks, Knight’s Challenge achieves a perfect balance of power and elegance. 

DISCOVER*Exclusive to members
CheckMate Queen Taken Chardonnay

Queen Taken Chardonnay

Vibrant and rich, Queen Taken comes from extremely low-yielding vines at our estate up to 50 years of age, resulting in a deep concentration of flavours in the wine.

DISCOVER*Exclusive to members
CheckMate Capture Chardonnay

Capture Chardonnay

Located on the US-Canada border, the Border Vista vineyard is the warmest site we source from, resulting in a full-bodied wine showing generous fruit. 

DISCOVER*Exclusive to members
CheckMate Little Pawn Chardonnay

Little Pawn Chardonnay

A striking vineyard framed by jutting rocks and rugged national parks, Jagged Rock lends complexity to the wine

DISCOVER*Exclusive to members
CheckMate Fool's Mate Chardonnay

Fool’s Mate Chardonnay

A blend of our vineyards, this wine represents the best representation of Chardonnay in the Okanagan Valley. 

DISCOVER*Exclusive to members
CheckMate Queen's Advantage Chardonnay

Queen’s Advantage Chardonnay

Sourced from our estate Combret vineyard, Queen’s Advantage showcases the concentration and delicate finesse of our historic 1973 plantings of Chardonnay. 

DISCOVER*Exclusive to members
CheckMate Knight's Challenge Chardonnay

Knight’s Challenge Chardonnay

The Sunset vineyard receives late sun exposure on the low-vigour soils of the Black Sage Bench. Sourced from two micro-blocks, Knight’s Challenge achieves a perfect balance of power and elegance. 

DISCOVER*Exclusive to members

Attack Chardonnay

TBD: The Sunset vineyard receives late sun exposure on the low-vigour soils of the Black Sage Bench. Sourced from two micro-blocks, Knight’s Challenge achieves a perfect balance of power and elegance. 

DISCOVER*Exclusive to members

Accolades

The consistency and the elegance of Little Pawn through recent vintages is astonishing. It begins with floral aromas with hints of marmalade. The wine manages to be bright and rich at the same time, with flavours of peach, apricot and orange. The finish is persistent.

John Schreiner
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