Description

CheckMate Artisanal Winery
Fool’s Mate Chardonnay

A blend of our five unique ‘climats’, this wine exemplifies our region and the complexity that is possible when distinct vineyard sites are brought together in one blend.

 

Winemaker Notes

Estates:

• • 32% Dekelva-Combret Vineyard

  • 31% Sunset Vineyard

  • 30% Jagged Rock Vineyard

  • 7% Border Vista Vineyard

Fermentation:

• • 18% wild fermentation

Barrel Aging:

• • 66% French oak barrique (50% new)

  • 34% Foudre

Clonal Selection:

• • Dijon 76 & 95

  • Hyde-Wente

  • 548, 1066

Canopy:

• • Vertical Shoot Positioning

Elevation: 

• • 1040 ft-1319 ft

Harvest:

• • Hand-picked

Technical:

• • ABV: 13.3%
  • TA 6.45
  • pH 3.33

Crafted:

• • 47 Barrels

  • 3 Foudre

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:

• • Complex aromas of lemon, quince paste, apricot preserves with hints of almond.

  • The palate has a creamy entry with flavors of lemon meringue, lime zest, and freshly baked bread.

  • The crunchy fruit is complemented by a long and textural finish.

 

2022 | Tech Sheet | POS | Label | Bottle Shot