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Chateau Ste. Michelle Wines

In 1967, American Wine Growers began a new line of premium vinifera wines called “Ste. Michelle Vintners” under the direction of legendary California winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff (best known for his work at Beaulieu Vineyard). Later known as Chateau Ste. Michelle, it is one of the founding wineries of Washington State.

Located in the Columbia Valley, Chateau Ste. Michelle produces several collections and labels. Among them are the Ethos, Artist, Single Vineyards—Canoe Ridge, Horse Heaven, and Cold Creek--and Eroica (a partnership with renowned Mosel winemaker Ernst Loosen, producing Riesling).

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Chateau Ste. Michelle 2006 Ethos Late Harvest White Riesling (Columbia Valley (WA))

Editors' Choice

Price $40

This is just this side of unctuous, a decadently ripe and rich late harvest Riesling. The residual sugar is at 23%, the alcohol a moderate 8%, and the balance impeccable, with a buoyant underpinning to the intense sweetness. It avoids sugary granularity as well, offering seamless, concentrated fruit that piles on flavors of peach, apricot, banana, mango, papaya and… — P.G. (5/1/2008)

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2003 Ethos Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

Online Exclusive

Price $30

A brilliant effort, sophisticated and modern. Leesy, textured, long and elegant, the winemaker’s light touch balances hints of herb, yeast and hints of new oak against gorgeous fruit. No reliance on buttered popcorn flavors or excessive new toasty oak. — P.G. (8/1/2005)

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2007 Cold Creek Vineyard Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $28

A full-throttle effort, with big flavor swashes of blackberry, cassis, black pepper, coffee grounds and ripe tannins. This is Cold Creek Merlot at its most powerful; the 35-year-old vines are in their prime and the flavors show it. Few American Merlots—indeed few in the world—can stand on their own and deliver a wine this complete and powerful. It needs more years… — P.G. (7/1/2011)

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2003 Ethos Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $29

This very limited (600 cases) companion to the winery’s Ethos chardonnay marks a turnaround for Ste. Michelle’s red wine program, as Bob Bertheau came on board just before the 2003 crush. The style is seductive, sharp and spicy; the tart fruits tumble out in a pile of mixed berry and cherry. Chocolate and baking spices add more flavors; the wine is seamless, smooth… — P.G. (12/31/2006)

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2003 Ethos Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $29

This very limited (600 cases) companion to the winery’s Ethos Chardonnay marks a turnaround for Ste. Michelle’s red wine program, as Bob Bertheau came on board just before the 2003 crush. The style is seductive, sharp and spicy; the tart fruits tumble out in a pile of mixed berry and cherry. Chocolate and baking spices add more flavors; the wine is seamless, smooth… — P.G. (6/1/2006)

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2008 Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Cellar Selection

Price $28

Year in and year out, the Cold Creek Vineyard sources perhaps the most ageworthy, perfectly structured Cabernet in the entire Ste. Michelle portfolio. In 2008 the alcohol hits 15%, yet the tight, dense, cassis-laden body of the wine is intact, with an appropriate hint of herb. The length and balance once again suggest a wine that has decades of life ahead. — P.G. (12/15/2011)

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2007 Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Cellar Selection

Price $28

The Cabernet from Cold Creek is not only old vine, but in terms of tightness and definition, it suggests that it may be one of the most ageworthy wines of the vintage from Washington State. This new vintage blends in 10% Merlot and 3% Syrah, and the wine is detailed with iron filings, pepper, bark, and dried earth notes. The fruit is tight, tart, and racy—a… — P.G. (5/1/2011)

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2002 Reserve Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $30

A brilliant success, with concentrated, multi-layered flavors that let the crisp, structured fruit stand out against the tastefully used new French oak. This is as good as Washington chardonnay gets, and clearly deserves its reserve status. — P.G. (4/1/2005)

2009 Occasio

Occasio has made a restrained and elegant Cabernet, alluring in its cola…

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