#5: 2020 O’Rourke “Twisted Pine” Chardonnay

BC, Okanagan Valley, VQA Lake Country
100% Chardonnay | Dry | 14.1% ABV
95 Points - Carl's Wine Club

Lake Country is a sub-GI to watch if you’re searching for world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and O’Rourke Family Estate delivers a stunning Chardonnay with their 2020 “Twisted Pine.”

Crafted exclusively from Block 4, this precise and energetic wine is made with four clones of Chardonnay, which perfectly complement each other. On the nose, it offers highly expressive aromas of lemon meringue, honeysuckle, yellow apple, and a dominant white floral bouquet, elevated by ginger and white tea notes.

The palate boasts a rich, opulent texture that is never overdone. Flavors of white peach, lemon zest, and honeydew melon shine, with saline and chalky minerality emerging towards the finish. A burst of white spices enhances the back end. Bright acidity and well-integrated oak add structure and elegance to this remarkable wine.

Keep your eyes on this producer—O’Rourke Family Estate is just getting started, and we can expect many more rockstar wines from them in the future.

(Carl Boucher, May 25, 2024)

Food Pairing: Smoked salmon and cream cheese on crostini, poached lobster.
Drink Window: Now through 2028
Winery Price: $70.00 plus tax & deposit