Checkmate Chardonnay 'Fool's Mate' 2015

Spencer Kelly’s first taste of wine-industry recognition came from some of the most iconic and prestigious wineries in Napa Valley. With each harvest and each season, he perfected his track record for coaxing the finest vintages out of distinguished vineyards.

CheckMate’s success had rippled all the way down to California, and the opportunity to join one of Canada’s most ambitious and celebrated wineries was irresistible. Some of the Okanagan’s most exceptional soils, old vines approaching 50 years of age and a commitment to making the highest quality wines aligned precisely with Spencer’s values as a Canadian winemaker.

An extremely complex wine with aromas of yellow peach, melon, perfume and caramelized oak with hints of graphite. The palate has a rich entry with flavours of peach, apricot and almond croissant. It maintains richness throughout its length, backed by fresh acidity and a salty finish.

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast

A multi-vineyard blend, this uses both barrel and concrete egg ferments. It's textured and complex, with lightly buttery apple fruit, a whiff of toast and salty minerality. It was aged for 16 months, and roughly half of the barrels used were new.