CWA 2010: Chardonnay - Unoaked

(22 entries, 11 medals)

The number of entries is almost the same as last year; the medal ratio is slightly higher. But the judges made two common observations. First, two styles are emerging — ripe, fruity examples (mostly from B.C.), and lighter, leaner, mineral styles (from Ontario), as in Chablis. Few judges were enthused by the general quality and several agreed with Ottawa judge Janet Dorozynski. “A bit disappointing,” she said. “And I sense that less good grapes are being used in unoaked chardonnay to cut costs, not because winemakers want to produce a certain style.” There is potential, however, to excel, noted judge Sid Cross. “There is an opportunity for someone to stand out in this category by allocating their very best chardonnay grapes to this style,” said Cross.

Silver

Twisted Tree 2008 Chardonnay, Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $22

Blasted Church 2009 Chardonnay Musqué, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $18

Gray Monk 2009 Chardonnay Unwooded, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $17

Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery 2008 Townsend Jack Unoaked Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $13

Calona Vineyards 2009 Artist Series Unoaked Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $14

Sandbanks Estate 2008 Waves Chardonnay, Prince Edward County, Ontario     $15

Bronze

Fielding Estate 2008 Unoaked Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $16

Tawse 2009 Sketches of Niagara Unoaked Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $18

Black Prince Winery 2009 Chardonnay, Prince Edward County, Ontario     $15

Coyote’s Run 2009 Unoaked Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $15

Joie Farm 2009 Un-Oaked Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $23

See more results from the Wine Access 2010 Canadian Wine Awards