Chateau Ste. Michelle is the oldest winery in Washington state. Founded in 1934, Chateau Ste. Michelle pioneered vinifera grape growing in Washington state and has been producing class European varietal wines under the Chateau Ste. Michelle label since 1967. The winery combines an ongoing dedication to research and innovation with a commitment to classic winemaking traditions to craft the highest quality wines from Washington across many price points. This dedication to excellence and commitment to quality have allowed Chateau Ste. Michelle a place among the preeminent wine producers of the world.’

Led by Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington wines have won international acclaim and the state now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s great wine-producing regions. Chateau Ste. Michelle itself has received a long list of awards including 22 “Wineries of The Year” honors (Wine & Spirits) and 18 “Top 100 Wines” designations (Wine Spectator).

VINEYARDS – Sourced from Columbia Valley vineyards throughout eastern Washington including our Cold Creek, Canoe Ridge Estate vineyards. Columbia Valley vineyards lie in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains and receive just 6-8 inches of rainfall annually. Warm, sunny days and cool evening temperatures create ideal conditions for intense aroma and flavor development in the ripening grapes.

WINEMAKING – The Columbia Valley blend is made from multiple vineyard lots resulting in a complex, layered Chardonnay. Malolactic fermentation follows yeast fermentation for added richness and complexity. 42% tank fermented Chardonnay was added to the blend to make a fresh style of Chardonnay. Sur lie aged for more than six months in a mix of French and American oak barrels (10% new) with regular stirring to soften the wine and integrate fruit and oak flavors.

“Our Columbia Valley Chardonnay is a pleasurable, food-friendly Chardonnay. It is crafted in a fresh, soft style with bright apple and sweet citrus fruit character with subtle spice and oak nuances. We blend Chardonnay grapes from vineyards throughout Washington’s Columbia Valley to make this a complex and interesting wine. Cheers!” – Bob Bertheau, Winemaker

Wine Enthusiast – 88 points

Aromas of corn silk, candy corn, vanilla and clarified butter are followed by creamy-feeling fruit flavors with plentiful baking spice accents. It’s a spot on example of the variety at a great price.