Checkmate, Attack Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, 2014

Describing itself as making 'New World Chardonnay and Merlot with Old World elegance', this winery is part of Anthony von Mandl's group of Okanagan estates which includes Mission Hill and Cedar Creek. All the wines have a chess link, and the Chardonnays at this stage are putting the Merlots in check. This cuvée spends 18 months in new French oak and produces just seven barrels. Lovely line and length with great integration of spicy wood notes, savoury, leafy apple fruit and lemon curd creaminess. Rich yet fresh, this should age well.