Quail's Gate, Stewart Family Vineyard Chardonnay 2019
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley
Composed of clone 95 exclusively this is the estate's flagship white, grapes are grown on the volcanic slopes of Boucherie Mountain just above the winery. The Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay is whole-duster pressed and 100% barrel fermented in new and neutral French oak. Full malolactic fermentation was carried out to enhance the mid-palate, with aging on lees and regular battonage. It shows a rich creaminess that relates to its new world style. It's fragrant and opulent with a mature orchard fruit aromatic profile. Deliciously rounded.
Score: 15.25/20 (90/100)
Quail's Gate, Rosemary's Block Chardonnay 2019
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley
Situated on the north side of Boucherie Road at Quails’ Gate's Estate in West Kelowna, Rosemary's Block has a pristine view of Okanagan Lake and is recognised for the quality of its grapes. Part of the founder's reserve series, these are limited releases. Clones 76, 809 and 277 are planted in 1996, the whole cluster pressed and 100% barrel fermented in a mix of new and old French oak. It's a very elegant, graceful expression, showing a perfumed style, delicate finesse as well as some phenolic bitterness that gives it length. It's a gorgeous wine with tension and freshness.
Score: 16.5/20 (93/100)
Quail's Gate, Clone 220 Chenin Blanc 2020
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley
Clone 220 originates Mostly fermented in concrete eggs for 9 months, this is a top-tier expression of this variety. Fully concentrated, it shows classic quince, honeydew, elderflower and candle wax aromas with also some savoury notes of sage. It's definitely one of the most complex and flavoursome Chenin in the valley.
