Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2014
(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

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Wine Spectator Magazine:
"On the lighter side, with lemon curd and spice flavors on a sleek frame, picking up fresh green fig notes as the finish lingers. Drink now through 2018. 950,000 cases made." HS (Mar 31, 2016)

Best Buy - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:
"Pear, butter and spice aromas lead to tingly, broad-feeling flavors that are straight down the fairway." - Sean Sullivan (3/1/2016)