Coolshanagh is a BC winery located on the Naramata Bench is owned by husband and wife team, Skip and Judy Stothert.  They are passionate about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir so they only grow these varieties for wine production. I received two bottles of their Chardonnay to review.  One is their Coolshanagh Chardonnay 2019 while the other is the first release of their Traditional Method sparkling wine, Coolshanagh Blanc de Blancs 2019.  

“Coolshanagh” a Gaelic word that translated means “a meeting place of friends”.  If you bring these two wines to a party with your friends, they will surely love you. 

From the winery, “In 2014, renowned terroir specialist Dr. Pedro Parra assessed the soil of Coolshanagh and noted the vineyard’s soil was in the top 15% in the world, comparing it to Meursault.” Meursault wine is produced in the commune of Meursault in Côte de Beaune of Burgundy. Meursault’s limestone-rich soils and climate provide ideal conditions for Chardonnay, which thrives in this region. The resulting wines are renowned for their richness, full-bodied character, and aging potential.  So I am thrilled to open these two bottles from Coolshanagh and tell you about them. 

My Wine Tasting Notes

Coolshanagh Chardonnay 2019 (BC $360 / case)

Winemaker’s notes, “Fermented in a combination of concrete, old puncheons and stainless steel before being combined to the final blend.”

Appearance: A bright medium-plus intensity lemon colour in the glass.
Nose: Medium-plus intense aromas of pineapple primarily with touches of butterscotch, toast, mango, and sweet spices. More pineapple and toasty aromas after decanting.
Palate: This wine is dry with a medium-plus body, and a smooth, round, thicker mouthfeel.  This is balanced with an acidic backbone that leaves a light prickle on your tongue.  Ripe pineapple, toast and oak and light pepperiness to start.  No change to the body or flavours after decanting.
Finish: A medium-plus length finishing with stronger pepperiness, ripe pineapple, oak and butterscotch flavours. No change on the finish after decanting.

A quality lightly oaked Chardonnay.

Rating: Medium-plus intensity lemon colour.  Intense aromas, primarily of pineapple, with touches of butterscotch, toast, mango and sweet spices.  A dry wine with medium-plus body and a smooth, round mouthfeel.  Ripe pineapple on the palate along with toast, oak, and some pepperiness.  Medium-plus length.

Coolshanagh Blanc de Blancs 2019 (BC $400/case)

Winemaker’s notes, “Organically grown Chardonnay grapes were harvested on September 20th, 2019. It was then Triage bottled on February 14th, 2020 and disgorged on June 6th.This delectable new offering is a first for Coolshanagh. Aged for 29 months en tirage.”

Appearance: This wine has a bright, clear, medium-intensity lemon colour.  Effusive smaller bubbles in the glass.
Nose: Fresh aromas of lees, apples and a touch of toastiness.
Palate: This sparkling wine is dry with medium-plus body and acidity.  Creamy small bubbles.  Bright citrus and apples on the palate with a touch of bitterness toward the finish.
Finish: Medium-plus length finishing with citrus, apple, and apple blossom flavours.

Rating: – A very tasty sparkling Blanc de Blancs.  Bright colour with lots of creamy bubbles to enjoy.  Dry with medium-plus body.  Citrus and apples on the palate. Medium-plus length.

Where Can I Buy These Wines?

The wines are available to purchase by the case only.  You need to phone the winery directly. Contact Skip at 250-809-4695.  The wines are available at select restaurants in BC.  You can check the list of restaurants at this link.

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