Beverage type: Wine
Origin: Washington, USA
Company: Chateau Ste. Michelle
Website: www.ste-michelle.com
Year established: 1934
Products: 2008 Columbia Valley Merlot
Company background: Acknowledged to be almost the first to plant Riesling in Washington, Chateau Ste. Michelle is the oldest winery in the state and remains the single largest Riesling producer in the United States, with over 2 million cases a year. The Riesling, an aromatic white grape variety which originated in the Rhine region of Germany has thrived in Washington’s Columbia Valley thanks to the ‘desert-like’ climate of scarce rainfall and ample sunshine. The resulting wines display the grape’s characteristic crispness and fruity tones.
Built on a 1912 estate formerly owned by a Seattle lumber baron, the winery dates back to the Repeal of the Prohibition in 1933 – when the ban on alcoholic beverages in the United States was lifted. Under the direction of legendary winemaker, Andre Tchelistcheff (then known as Ste. Michelle Vintners) planted its first vines at Cold Creek Vineyard in eastern Washington in 1972. Its vineyards now cover more than 3,500 prime acres in the Columbia Valley. The French-style chateau was built four years later in Woodniville where all their white wines are made.
Having championed Riesling for more than 40 years, Chateau Ste. Michelle now offers up to eight different Rieslings, each with its own distinctive reflection of the varietal’s versatility – varying from off-dry to very sweet—and the regional styles within the distiguished Columbia Valley.
Ranging from the top-selling Columbia Valley Riesling to the ultra-premium Eroica Riesling, made in partnership with Germany’s Dr Loosen Estate, Chateau Ste. Michelle wines have been winning accolades and recognition since the winery’s 1972 Johannisberg Riesling won a blind tasting event sponsored by the Los Angeles Times in 1974.
Noted for their consistency in producing palate-pleasing wines, the winery saw a windfall of accolades and awards in 2011, earning 51 90+ scores, 61 Gold Medals and several ‘Top Winery’ honours.
2008 Columbia Valley Merlot
A perfect ripening season and a third of the fruit from the Canoe Ridge Estate contributed complexity and refined tannins.
Tasting notes: Complex yet approachable, the wines offers aromas of black cherry, leather and spice with layers of dark red fruit tones and a touch of Syrah for a jammy fruit character.
2009 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
An ideal growing season with warm, dry weather and sunshine, the mild temperatures allowed the grapes to retain their natural acidity.
Tasting notes: A versatile wine with plenty of complexity in flavours and structure with silky tannins.
2010 Columbia Valley Riesling
The ripening season was dominated by a mild spring and cool summer, resulting in a concentrated fruit flavour and mouth-watering acidity.
Tasting notes: A refreshing and easy to drink vintage, the off-dry wine delivers flavours of ripe peach and juicy pear with subtle mineral notes.
Where to buy:
Malaysia
Acme Bar & Coffee: Ground Floor at The Troika, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Garibaldi: G 22, Bangsar Village, 1 Jalan Telawi Satu, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
The Westin Kuala Lumpur: 199, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Village Grocer: 2, Jalan Telawi Satu Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Singapore
Momento del Tesoro by Top Wines: 33 Tembeling Road, S (423576) Tel: +65 6468 3866
Local distributor(s):
Malaysia
Albert Wines & Spirits (M) Sdn Bhd: Tel: +603 6276 3993
Singapore
Top Wines Pte Ltd: No 33 Tembeling Road, S (423576) Tel: +65 6468 3866