2017 Top 5: Chardonnay

For the 2017 awards season, in addition to our Top 20 list and singular Icon Wine of the Year, we're including a celebration of the best wines in a few select categories. Here are our Top 5 Chardonnay of 2017:

1. JoieFarm 2015 "En Famille" Reserve Chardonnay - 90+pts
A hedonistic, barrel fermented Chardonnay sourced from Skaha Bluff and Naramata Bench vineyards with layers of melon, orchard and citrus fruit mixed with  savoury characters of nuts, vanilla bean and oak on the buttery nose and briny palate.
Full Review

2. Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards 2014 Chalk Hill Chardonnay - 90pts
A wonderfully balanced Chardonnay with a solid mineral backbone on the joyful, sweetly-comforting, baked aroma scented nose and the refreshing, orchard and citrus fruit infused, full-bodied, oak-kissed palate. Finish is moderate-plus with some lingering spice, lemon peel and 'hot' alcohol notes.
Full Review

3. Liquidity Wines 2015 Chardonnay - 90pts
Subtle oak and partial malolactic fermentation notes frame the characteristics of the estate-sourced fruit nicely; medium intense, pear, peach and papaya fruits, light herbs and macadamia nut aromas and flavours with crisp, citrus acidity.
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4. Taken Wine Co. 2014 Complicated Chardonnay - 90pts
A well-structured and balanced Chardonnay with a lifted nose of fresh, orchard fruit and Spring blossoms with light mineral and oak notes adding depth. Full-ish palate is clean and crisp with mouth-watering acidity and plenty of citrus and peach flavours. Just a kiss of oak contact lingers on the moderate finish.
Full Review

5. Upper Bench Estate Winery 2016 Chardonnay - 90pts
A nice degree of opulence is on offer with mineral notes and vivacious stonefruit acidity present to keep the finish refreshing and balanced. Melon, peach and macadamia nut aromas and flavours throughout.
Full Review

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca