2019 Knight’s Challenge Chardonnay

This is an enticing Chardonnay with aromas of sagebrush, floral spice, cold tea and lychee underscored by subtle fruit and lifted oak notes. The palate is vibrant and textural, displaying honey, lime, mineral and sea salt characters, backed by herbs and fruit in the background.

 

Vintage
2019
Vineyard
Sunset Vineyard, Black Sage Bench
Aromas & Texture
Exuberant + Enticing
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CheckMate Artisinal Winery Knight's Challenge Chardonnay

Sunset Vineyard

Situated south of Jagged Rock Vineyard and perfectly aligned with a gap in the range across the valley, this vineyard basks in the sun late into the evening. Thirty years ago, we planted Dijon clones 76 & 95 on soils formed by glacial meltwaters. 

The vines grow in gravelly sand, and the site slopes to the southwest. This warm exposure and highly porous soils produce classic Chardonnay that exudes character. 

"The wine is complex, with aromas of lychee and sagebrush. The wine delivers rich layers of fruit including ripe peach and lime with a long, honeyed finish."

99 points, John Schreiner

"This shows notes of candied lemons and apricots with dried citrus peel, vanilla and sugar-crusted creme brulee. Dry and polished with a full body and crisp acidity. Firm and structured with a chewy texture. Lingering, creamy finish. Drink or hold."

94 points, James Suckling

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Our members receive guaranteed allocations of wine selected by our winemaker, Spencer Kelly. We release our wines twice a year. Members always receive priority allocations of new releases.

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