CheckMate Fool’s Mate Chardonnay Okanagan Valley BC Canada 2022

When it comes to the world’s most exciting Chardonnay regions outside of Burgundy, British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley deserves a place at the front of the pack. CheckMate Fool’s Mate Chardonnay 2022 is a shining example of why top Canadian wines today attract the attention of wine collectors and critics around the world.

This luxurious Chardonnay is created as a blend of fruit from several of CheckMate’s most coveted vineyards in the South Okanagan. Each parcel is cultivated with extreme precision, and only the best grapes make their way to Fool’s Mate. The result is a wine of impressive concentration, depth and elegance, with the area’s cool climate and long growing season providing a remarkable balance of ripe fruit and fresh minerality.

CheckMate has built a reputation for creating Chardonnay at the international level of excellence, and Fool’s Mate is the house interpretation of what the Okanagan Valley can achieve when terroir, craftsmanship and uncompromising quality come together. The wine combines the rich texture and richness of California’s greatest Chardonnays with the finesse, energy and precision that have made Burgundy the world reference point for the grape.

the 2022 vintage is already proving to be a highly successful vintage with a remarkable harmony between ripeness and freshness. The long barrel ageing adds layers of complexity and a silky texture, while the wine’s natural acidity ensures a vibrant and focused expression from the first nose to the final finish.

This is a wine that deserves a large wine glass and plenty of time. It pairs perfectly with lobster, scallops, grilled turbot, roasted monkfish, veal, poultry with butter-based sauces and gastronomic dishes where the wine’s complexity is allowed to unfold.

Tasting notes

Color: Clear golden with elegant, bright reflections.

Aroma: Refined and layered with aromas of ripe peach, quince, apricot, lemon cream and orange peel. Nuances of toasted almonds, brioche and subtle spices from barrel aging add complexity.

Taste: Rich and creamy with beautiful layers of lemon curd, ripe stone fruit, citrus, vanilla and fresh baked bread. The concentrated fruit is carried by a vibrant acidity and finishes with a long, mineral and elegant aftertaste.

The story of CheckMate Artisanal Winery

CheckMate Artisanal Winery was founded with a vision to create some of the world’s best Chardonnay and Merlot wines. Behind the project is Anthony von Mandl, one of the most influential figures in Canadian winemaking. With experience from some of the country’s most successful wineries, he wanted to prove that the Okanagan Valley could produce wines on par with the biggest international names.

The house philosophy is based on meticulous field work, extremely low yields, and a detailed understanding of each vineyard’s characteristics. Vineyards are divided into small blocks that are harvested and vinified separately, allowing each soil type and exposure to express itself optimally. This approach has made CheckMate one of Canada’s most recognized producers, creating wines that are regularly compared to both cult California Chardonnay and the best producers in Burgundy.

• Producer: CheckMate Artisanal Winery
• Wine: Fool’s Mate Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2022
• Country: Canada
• Region: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vineyards: Dekleva-Combret Vineyard, Sunset Vineyard, Jagged Rock Vineyard and Border Vista Vineyard
• Style: Full-bodied and barrel aged Chardonnay
• Serving temperature: 10-12°C
• Quantity: 75 cl
• Contains: Sulfites
• Alcohol content: 14.1%