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.

• • 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