Chateau Ste. Michelle’s red winemaker Ray McKee is stationed in the Horse Heaven Hills, so it makes sense for him to move from purchased fruit on the Wahluke Slope in 2012 to Ste. Michelle’s Horse Heaven Vineyard for this superb Grenache. It opens with dusty raspberry and black cherry aromas, joined by white pepper, sweet tobacco and mocha. Inside are gorgeous flavors of those same fruit, along with touches of Aussie-style red licorice. Moderate oak, bright acidity and mild tannins gather up a touch of creaminess that makes for a rather showy and beautiful wine. Production from the 2013 version was even more limited than the year before — down by more than 30 percent. These wines are available to club members, at the Woodinville tasting room and online.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 350 cases
Alcohol: 15.2%
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