Chateau Sainte Michelle CANOE RIDGE Chardonnay Columbia Valley Washington State

Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington state's oldest and most acclaimed winery it is located in historic grounds near Seattle. Here the winery combines Old World winemaking tradition with New World innovation. The Vineyard is located in sandy soils with bits of cobblestone and have low water-holding capacity. This allows precise control of vine growth through drip irrigation and canopy management. The warm site benefits from the moderating effect of the Columbia River and promotes uniform ripening and excellent colour development. The site typically enjoys an early bud break and a long growing season. Ripe grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity. Twice-pumpovers helped extract colour and flavour during the seven-day fermentation. This was followed by ageing in new and one year old French oak for 18 months to soften tannins as well as integrate the wood and fruit. This Merlot exhibits deep aromas of chocolate, black cherries and vanilla. A powerful Merlot with concentrated flavours of chocolate covered cherries, plum, coffee and toast dominate this complex, balanced wine leading to an enjoyable long finish. (6 x 75 cl)

The Cold Creek Chardonnay displays the classic ripe apple and pear aroma characteristics and rich fruit flavor that have distinguished this vineyard for over 25 years. Secondary aromas of spice, citrus, mineral and toasted hazelnuts are also exhibited. The wine has a viscous mouth feel, a well-defined structure, and a long silky finish. This wine is delicious now, but will continue to develop additional complexity and richness for the next 10 years.

Colour:Golden yellow Aromas:Ripe apple,pear and vanilla Palate:Generous ripe apple and pear,hint of tropical fruit.Toasty rich finish. (12 x 75 cl)

The Reserve Syrah is distinguished by dark complex fruit aromas of fig, black cherry and raspberry with spice notes of cinnamon, clove and a hint of cedar in the background. The wine is substantial in the mouth but remains well balanced. It finishes with subtle chocolate notes from the barrel. (12 x 75 cl)

This dark ruby red Cabernet exhibits inviting aromas of cassis and black cherry with intense coffee and spice notes. This is a complex and powerful Cabernet with flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry and vanilla. (12 x 75 cl)

Fruity, floral and refreshing describes the essence of this wine. Inviting aromas of orange peel, melon and apple lead to flavors of honeysuckle, spice and green apple. This Pinot Gris has a delicate, elegant finish and a refreshing crispness that makes it a very food friendly wine. Try it with fondue for a change of pace! (12 x 75 cl)

Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington state's oldest and most acclaimed winery it is located in historic grounds near Seattle. Here the winery combines Old World winemaking tradition with New World innovation. In a new twist Chateau Ste. Michelle has teamed up with Mosel's renowned Dr Ernst Loosen to produce a stylish Riesling. Dr. Loosen owns some of the most renowned sites on the Mosel in Wehlen, Urzig and Erden and is acclaimed as one of Germany's most consistent quality producers across a range of styles, from dry to sweet. The Eroica collaboration begins in the vineyard with Ernst Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker Bob Bertheau jointly deciding on site selection, irrigation management, crop levels and canopy management. Yields were adjusted and fruit exposure was managed to prolong the ripening season for added flavour development of these cooler climate vineyards. The Vineyards in Eastern Washington's Yakima Valley provided the backbone for the Eroica blend. Howerver, 24% of the Riesling grapes came from the Horse Heaven Vineyard in the Columbia Valley. To protect flavour intensity, the grapes were harvested at night when the vineyard temperatures were coldest. The berries went direct to press, avoiding the possible loss of freshness caused by a crusher/destemmer. Next cool fermentation created a seamless integration of fruit, sugar and acid. Finally, fruit-driven yeasts with slower fermentation rates, such as the aromatic RHST, were employed to slow down the fermentations and heighten the fruit flavours. Ernst Loosen and Bob Bertheau considered dozens of small lots, each reflecting a slight difference in character depending on where the grapes were grown, resulting in the complexity the final blend. Eroica reflects not only its variety and site, but also its heritage: bold and forward from its Washington roots, elegant and sinewy from German inspiration. Named after Beethoven's Third Symphony, Eroica is truly a concert of Old World and New World Riesling. Eroica delivers a unique combination of tangerine aromas characteristic of Washington state Riesling, melded with the mineral and slate notes and lively, crisp acidity associated with German Riesling. This 100% Riesling continues toward the Germanic wine style with added complexity and refinement.. (6 x 75 cl)

Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington state's oldest and most acclaimed winery it is located in historic grounds near Seattle. Here the winery combines Old World winemaking tradition with New World innovation. This wine comes from the Columbia Valley vineyards which lie in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains and receive just 6-8 inches of rainfall annually. Sandy soils with low fertility and low water-holding capacity enable precise control of vine growth. Warm, sunny days and cool evening temperatures create ideal conditions for intense aroma and flavour development in the ripening grapes. Additionally, a northerly latitude gives the Columbia Valley roughly two more hours of sunlight daily during the peak-growing season than California, increasing the region's ability to ripen fruit. The Grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with Premier Cuvee yeast to initiate fermentation. Fermentation continued for 11 days with twice-daily pumpovers to gently extract colour and flavour and produce soft, supple tannins. The wine was then 100% barrel aged for 14 months in French and Hungarian oak. This wine is a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A real mouthful of bold, rich and concentrated flavours of blackberry, black currant, vanilla and chocolate. Smooth and polished, the tannins are supple and well integrated with bright fruit acidity, and the flavours extend into a long, complex finish. (12 x 75 cl)

Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington state's oldest and most acclaimed winery it is located in historic grounds near Seattle. Here the winery combines Old World winemaking tradition with New World innovation. Planted in 1973, the south-facing Cold Creek Vineyard is a warm, dry site with high heat accumulation. The low yielding old vines produce small clusters and small berries, resulting in intense varietal flavours and deep colour. The site's weak, loamy sand and gravel soils with lowwater-holding capacity produce moderate crops and concentrated grapes, while Cold Creek typically is one of the earliest vineyards in the region to ripen. Ripe grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity. Twice-daily gentle pumpovers were used to extract optimal flavour and colour and minimize harsh tannins. Finally, the wine is aged for 21 months in 58% new French and 33% new American oak, and 9% in older French and American barrels. This wine is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 2% Malbec. The Cabernet grapes from the 30-year-old Cold Creek Vineyard deliver concentrated blackberry, dark chocolate and vanilla aromas with hints of earth and oak. The wine is intense, extracted and rich in flavours and texture culminating in a long finish. (6 x 75 cl)