Top Canadian Oaked Chardonnays

The best oaked chardonnays at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards

(86 entries, 57 medals)

The number of entries in this popular category jumped more than 35 percent this year, while the high medal ratio remained constant. Obviously, Canada is making some great chardonnays, and the fact that both B.C. and Ontario are doing well suggests good winemaking with this complex style is behind the success. “It is a style that seems to be well-understood, thus well-made in Canada,” said Quebec City’s Rémy Charest. “Styles range from Chablis-esque to Napa chardonnay,” said Toronto's Tony Aspler, “and the judicious use of oak is a blessing.” Toronto’s John Szabo agreed: “Winemakers now have the confidence (and the vineyards) to let fruit and minerality dominate. Very exciting!” Notably, Tawse took four golds in this category with various single-vineyard and value-priced bottlings, helping it clinch Winery of the Year honours.

Below is a slideshow with tasting notes for the gold medal oaked chardonnay winners at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards.

A complete list of the silver and bronze medal winners may be found on the last slide in the slide show.