- Gamay, Grenache Blanc steal show at McMinnville judging
- VineLines Dispatch: Tasting rooms continue to swirl around Woodinville
- Walla Walla Valley wine industry helps raise $55K for food bank
- VineLines Dispatch captures late scramble amid early freeze
- L’Ecole No. 41 recruits Marcus Rafanelli to take over as winemaker
- VinesLines Dispatch swings along Columbia River, Walla Walla Valley
- Alexandria Nicole Cellars uses white Rhône blend to lead Great Northwest Invite
- VineLines Dispatch coverage of 2019 vintage continues
- VineLine Dispatches from Harvest 2019
- ‘Slow and steady harvest’ forecast for Northwest grapes in 2019
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2016 Indian Wells Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $18
While a growing number of Northwest producers pursue Chablis-inspired Chardonnay, there’s still a thirst for the reserve styles that California helped make famous. Bob Bertheau and Chateau Ste. Michelle continue to serve those consumers with this well-priced expression under the Indian Wells banner. Now more of a reference to rich and tropical expressions rather than the namesake Indian Wells Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, the Indian Wells Chardonnay includes grapes from Cold Creek Vineyard as well as some from the Wahluke Slope. The lots spent six months of 100% surlie aging inside a barrel program of 35% new oak, and there’s some malolactic fermentation as well for roundness. Hints of toasted coconut, blanched almond, butter and pineapple are presented in a rich and delicious fashion that’s followed with a burst of lemon/lime. Suggested pairings include salmon, shellfish, crab, creamy pasta dishes with tarragon or thyme and white mean such as pork or poultry.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 137,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Latest News
-
Gamay, Grenache Blanc steal show at McMinnville judgingMcMINNVILLE, Ore. — As much as Oregon justifiably brands...
- February 10, 2020
-
VineLines Dispatch: Tasting rooms continue to swirl around WoodinvilleIndustry churn for Washington state’s wine industry during the...
- January 3, 2020
-
Walla Walla Valley wine industry helps raise $55K for food bankWALLA WALLA, Wash. – It began in 2011 as...
- December 23, 2019
0 comments