Description

CheckMate Artisanal Winery
Little Pawn Chardonnay

A blend of two distinct parcels within the Jagged Rock Vineyard. The porous soils of the Black Sage Bench regulate the vines, which produce concentrated fruit with balance and purity.

 

Winemaker Notes

Estates:

• • Jagged Rock Vineyard,
  • Black Sage Bench

Fermentation:

• • 75% wild fermentation

Barrel Aging:

• • 90% French oak (56% new);
  • 10% concrete egg,
  • 14 months in oak

Clonal Selection:

• • Dijon 76, Dekleva

Canopy:

• • Vertical Shoot Positioning

Elevation: 

• • 1230 ft-1247 ft

Harvest:

• • Hand-picked

Technical:

• • ABV: 13.4%
  • TA 5.55
  • pH 3.28

Crafted:

• • 30 Barrels
  • 1 Concrete Egg

Winemaking Process

Hand Sorted

• • 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.

Wild Fermentation

• • 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.

Elevage

• • 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.

Unfined, Unfiltered

• • Finally, the finished wine goes to bottle — unfined and unfiltered, to preserve a complete expression of Chardonnay and the terroir.

Tasting Notes:

• • A vibrant nose of key lime, ginger spice, orange blossom, and anise seed.
  • Flavors of tangerines, sage brush and hazelnut excite the senses.
  • The palate has richness while also maintaining a weightless feeling.
  • The long mouthwatering finish hints at the wine’s longevity.

 

2022 | Tech Sheet | POS | Label | Bottle Shot