The estate vineyards overlooking the Columbia River along the Horse Heaven Hills are often overlooked as keys to the continued success of Chateau Ste. Michelle. In this case, it’s Canoe Ridge Estate, and white winemaker Wendy Stuckey’s approach for this vintage included a French oak program using 47% new barrels with 10 months of surlie aging. That explains the nose of toasted oak and butterscotch, but there’s a pleasing backing of Golden Delicious apple and dried pineapple with hints of coriander and fresh dill. Tropical flavors of guava and mango lead the way as butterscotch takes over the midpalate before yielding to a finish of pear, apple and quince. Suggested pairings include crab cakes, pork tenderloin and salmon.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 2,500 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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