Reviews/ Wine

Wine Review: Camelot Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay

I am an absolute firm believer in Okanagan Summers. Why? Because we live in wine country, my friends. Wine country. And while we’re still dabbling in the sloppy seconds of Winter here on the coast, I’ve seen plenty of photos on Instagram that show the wineries gearing up for the growing season.

Recently a reader asked about a favourite Chardonnay of mine and I thought I’d respond with a review. You all like wine, right?

This is the Camelot Vineyards 2011 Chardonnary and comes courtesy of my Momma who manages the tasting room at Camelot Vineyards. The winery is no way affiliated with this post, nor did they ask for a review. I just have a surplus of the stuff and am really enjoying it so I’m sharing that with you. If you go to Camelot, say hi to Debby for me!

….My mom is a proud supporter of my wine habit and always keeps me well stocked. Thanks Mom.

Camelot Vineyards Chardonnary Wine - She Eats

The Wine: Camelot Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay

Winner of several prestigious wine awards:

  • Okanagan Wine Festival 2009 Silver
  • Intervin International 2009 Silver
  • Okanagan Wine Festival 2011 Finalist

Region: South East Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

Price: $24.90, direct from the winery.

Tasting Notes: Two big things stand out for me in this wine: It’s approachability and yet at the same time, the integrity of the grape that’s maintained. On the nose you’ll smell fresh citrus and butter. Sip it and taste complex flavours of tree fruit, subtle oak and lots of interesting smoky hues, many thanks to the traditional barrel fermentation. The ripe fruit forward character lingers on your palate but is well balanced with the oak structure.

Meal Recommendations: This wine would pair well with smoked fish, herby roast chicken, grilled peppers, popcorn or a creamy cheese course. Which just happen to be all the makings for a great Spring picnic. Who’s with me??

Overall Thoughts: This is a classic Chardonnay, without being too Chardonnay-y. It’s price point isn’t ridiculous and you can feel confident in the wine that you’re about to imbibe. Essentially the Camelot Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay would be a good starting point for anyone who wants to try a hardier, more robust white wine or for those of us who already have a love affair with this grape; It’s a nice place to sit down and stay a while.

The problem however is that there are only 17 cases left and they won’t be making any more so if you do want to say hello, I suggest you do so quickly.

Are you a chardonnay fan? What’s your average go-to price point for wine? White or red? Pink? Bubbles? Favourite region? Which kinds of wines would you like to see me review? Leave a reply in the comment section at the bottom of this page – I’d love to hear from you!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: My Momma who manages the tasting room at Camelot Vineyards provided me a bottle of wine at no cost because she likes me. Regardless, I only recommend, giveaway or share products or services I use personally and genuinely believe will be of interest to my readers. All opinions, words and information here are entirely accurate and a reflection of my true experience and were not influenced, in any way, by the above mentioned products or companies. Opinions and views are my own. Because that’s how I roll, yo. I’ve never been one to shut my mouth – I’m not going to start now. Capiche?

  • Jacqueline Gum
    March 31, 2015 at 4:18 AM

    Nice review! I have not been a fan of Chardonnay for a while, because what I was tasting seemed way too ‘oaky’. But this sounds a bit more subtle.I’ll keep it on the list! So many wines, so little time!
    Jacqueline Gum recently published…Afterglow… Where’s The Justice?My Profile

    • Kristy Gardner
      March 31, 2015 at 3:56 PM

      Some can be REALLY oaky and I can see why that would be offensive to your mouth. This one has some, but not terribly so. What’s your favourite grape Jacqueline?? I’ll do the next one on that! 🙂

  • Becky
    March 31, 2015 at 5:51 AM

    Chardonnay is hands down, my least favorite varietal of wine. I can’t stand how oak – originally used to cover up poor quality grapes – has become the standard for the entire varietal. I’ve had unoaked ones and they don’t do much for me either. So I leave it all for the rest of you.
    Becky recently published…It’s not all rainbows.My Profile

    • Kristy Gardner
      March 31, 2015 at 3:58 PM

      Totally fair Becky. I get that. I can usually tell based on the depth of flavour a wine has and the way the oak is integrated if it’s chips or not. And if you ask me, the only place chips belong is at a ball game. But I’m happy to drink all the chardonnay for you. Which grape would you prefer? What’s your go-to?

  • Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
    April 1, 2015 at 10:31 AM

    Oh me, me. I’m in. I’m ready to go on a picnic and drink all the wine.