In 1999, Mike Januik resigned as Chateau Ste. Michelle’s head winemaker to launch his own project almost across the street from the chateau, and yet Ste. Michelle has allowed him rare access to its Cold Creek Vineyard for this Chardonnay that has ranked among the Northwest’s best ever since. He ages it on the lees for nine months in French oak barrels, half of them new. The results are classic for its style with touches of butterscotch, pineapple, lemon and toast with a luxurious mouthfeel that brings a level of brightness not often experienced in a reserve-style Chardonnay.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 704 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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