Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2013
(Washington)

Notes from the Winemaker:
The Columbia Valley Chardonnay is a pleasurable, food-friendly Chardonnay. This is a fresh, soft style of Chardonnay 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, interesting wine. The sur lie aging gives it an appealing softness.

Winemaking:

• The Columbia Valley blend is made from numerous vineyard lots resulting in a complex, layered Chardonnay.
• Malolactic fermentation follows yeast fermentation for added richness and complexity.
• 47% 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 (15% new) with regular stirring to soften the wine and integrate fruit and oak flavors.

Technical Information:
TA: 0.53 g/100 ml
pH: 3.43
Alcohol: 14%
Blend: 100% Chardonnay