Skip to main content

McLean Creek Rd Chardonnay 2017

$40.96

91 Points, Anthony Gismondi, Gismondi on Wine

"...The wine sits on lees for 11 months without battonage while undergoing a natural malolactic fermentation. McLean Creek Road Vineyard chardonnay was planted in 1994 on two very different estate blocks, adding additional character to this impressive chardonnay. Citrus, nutty mineral, stony flavours attract before riding a long, linear palate of Okanagan freshness. Well done." Tasted Dec 3, 2018

Specifications

  • Alcohol 13.5%
  • Acidity 7.2 g/L
  • Appellation Okanagan Falls
  • ph 3.54
  • Region Okanagan Valley
  • Type White
  • Varietal Chardonnay
  • Vintage 2017
  • Winemaker Chris Carson
  • Notes

    Winemaker Notes

    At the winery the fruit was fed directly into the press with an ensuing long gentle pressing employed. Only the finest, purest juice from the early stages of the pressing was used for this wine with the more astringent so called “hard press” kept separate. A long cool fermentation began in stainless steel vessels, employing indigenous and cultured yeast where it remained for most of the ferment. The must was then transferred to 100% French oak (18% new) to complete fermentation. The wine was left “sur lees” for 11 months without battonage. A natural malolactic fermentation occurred in late spring. In keeping with our philosophy to maintain as much as possible a hands-off approach in the cellar to allow the true expression of the terroir this wine is unfined and unfiltered.  

    Vineyard Notes

    Originally planted in 1994, our family owned “McLean Creek Road Vineyard” is located in Okanagan Falls, BC. The vineyard has a predominantly steep southerly aspect with the soil comprised of alluvial and glacial deposits making up a mix of gravel and sandy loams. The Chardonnay is planted in two separate blocks, one on the far east side of the south facing slope and the other on the west end of the slope. The variation of east and west leads to differences in flavour development and in turn more complexity in the finished wine. We operate both of our vineyards using organic/sustainable farming practices. 

    Production Notes

    530 cases produced.