Chateau Ste. Michelle Select Riesling

Description

TastingNotes Our Harvest Select Riesling is made in a slightly sweeter style than our Columbia Valley Riesling but still shows the elements of classic Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling. It offers beautiful crisp Washington Riesling character with rich flavors of ripe peaches. I call this wine a bowl of fruit in a glass! The fresh fruit and decadent character is balanced with crisp acidity to keep the wine in harmony. This is a perfect patio sipping wine or would be a great match with Thai food. – Bob Bertheau, Head WinemakerVintage Notes2013 growing season enjoyed a record early start to bud break.Summer was consistent and warm, perfect for the vines to ripen.Harvest kicked off early in mid-August and extended into early November as fall brought cooler temperatures.The long, warm, consistent 2013 growing season resulted in beautifully ripe and balanced winesVineyardsColumbia 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.A northerly latitude gives the Columbia Valley roughly two more hours of sunlight daily during the peak-growing season than California, increasing the regions ability to ripen fruit.WinemakingRiesling grapes were harvested in October at the peak of flavor.Fermentation temperatures were maintained at 50-55 F to preserve Rieslings fresh and fruity character, using an assortment of yeasts for added complexity.We feature the Riesling Taste Profile scale on the back label to help people understand that this Riesling is made in a medium-sweet style. -Chateau Ste. Michelle