The Castle Ste. Michelle Riesling review (and best bottle recommendations!) (2023)

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Castle Ste. Michelle is one of the best premium quality growers.WeinToday. I mean, if you can easily produce millions of cases of wine every year, then you should be commended for such excellent work!

Castle Ste. Michelle is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in the state of Washington, producing no less than 8 million casesWell-made Riesling wineevery year.

Today, this winery boasts over 60 wines, all found in over 100 countries around the world and in all 50 states.

So if you're looking for genuine, well-priced wines good enough for just about any occasion, Chateau Ste. Michelle your trusted winery.

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Index

Acerca de Chateau Ste. Michelle

The Castle Ste. Michelle Riesling review (and best bottle recommendations!) (3)

Castle Ste. Michelle is a winery founded in 1954 by American Wine Growers. This company was formed in 1954 after the merger of the Pomerelle Wine Company and the National Wine Company (NAWICO). This happened after the ban was lifted.

As a pioneer in growing the Vitis vinifera grape in Washington state, Ste. Michelle Castle was designed and built in the French style. It sits on 35 acres of land adorned with mature trees. To go to Chateau Ste. To reach Michelle, you may have to travel up to 20 miles northeast of Seattle to the friendly town of Woodinville.

These are the woods that Frederick Stimson, the Baron of Timber, used as a hunting ground. Mature trees also function as Hollywood Farm which is a working country farm.

Castle Ste. Michelle produces Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot. It is the world's leading Riesling producer and has been producing Rieslings for over 45 years.

The winery also has wine partnerships with two other wine merchants, namely:

  • Eroica Riesling is an alliance with Ernst Loosen of the Moselle
  • Col Solare is partnered with Perio Antinori

Castle Ste. Michelle was named US Winery of the Year in the 2004 edition of Wine Enthusiast magazine.

(Video) Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling 2020

Since then, several Washington winemakers have been associated with the winery. These include Chinook Wines, a Kay Simon creation. This company was co-founded with Clay Mackey, her husband. At one point he was vineyard manager for Chateau Ste. michelle

The Castle Ste. Michelle Riesling review (and best bottle recommendations!) (4)

Castle Ste. Michelle is also the owner of several historic vineyards in the state. These include Cold Creek Vineyard, which was established in the 1970s, Indian Wells Vineyards in Columbia Valley AVA and Canoe Ridge Estate Vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills AVA.

You should also know that all the grapes used to make Chateau Ste. Michelle used to come from her own vineyards in Washington state.

Castle Ste. Since her humble beginnings, Michelle has been involved in several partnerships and acquisitions that point to significant growth.

Columbia Crest Winery is Washington's second label, founded in 1983. Chateau Ste. Michelle also purchased Erath of Oregon in 2006.

Ste. Michelle began making Eroica in 1995, a premium Riesling produced in the Columbia Valley with Ernst Loosen.

Thanks to the partnership with Antinori established in 1995, Ste. Michelle is also known for producing luxurious Cabernet Sauvignon under the Col Solare label.

Castle Ste. Michelle: 7 things you should know about this winery

Castle Ste. As a leader in winemaking, Michelle has defined and sustained Washington State wine for the past 5 decades. The brand has successfully established several of the now preferred wine regions in the state. He also helped create national and global markets for wine produced in Washington.

However, that label started somewhere before rising to prominence in 1974. At that time, the label's 1972 Riesling won the blind tasting of 19 white Rieslings sponsored by the Los Angeles Times at the time.

Here are 7 things you should know about Chateau Ste. Michelle needs to know:

1.The Battle of the 19 Rieslings

The Castle Ste. Michelle Riesling review (and best bottle recommendations!) (5)

Once upon a time, just before the Paris trial put Napa Valley on the world map in 1976, the Battle of Los Angeles took place. It is also known as the Battle of the 19 Rieslings, wines coveted in other parts of the world.

This "Battle of the 19 Rieslings" refers to the blind tasting of 19 Rieslings organized by the Los Angeles Times in 1974. At that time, it proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that American wineries can compete the world over.

Ste. Michelle's 1972 Riesling won, making Riesling the most popular variety in the United States.

2. Castillo Ste. Michelle plays well with other winemakers

For several years Chateau Ste. Michelle attracted some of Washington State's crème de l crème winemakers. These include Col Solare, the single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon made with Piero Antinori from Tuscany.

And Riesling's Eroica line, made in collaboration with Ernst Loosen from Moselle Valley, Germany. This shows that Chateau St. Michelle is a team player and enjoys working with other winemakers.

In fact, Chateau Ste. Michelle recently collaborated with Michel Gassier, the Rhône winemaker, to create Tenet Wines. This was done to exploit the potential of Syrah and other Rhone varieties here in Washington State.

3. Palace Ste. Michelle is the #1 producer of Riesling

Castle St. Michelle is the single largest producer of the fragrant, dry or sweet wine known as Riesling. The brand produces over 500,000 cases of Columbia Valley Riesling.

All these wines can be found in the 50 states of the Federation and in more than 100 countries around the world.

4. Grape variety is welcome

Washington state is blessed with a variety of growing conditions, which is reflected in the variety of wines at Chateau Ste. Michelle reflects.

Castle Ste. Michelle produces a wide range of wines like Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc etc.

The brand also produces some red wines from Bordeaux grape varieties including Grenache, Syrah, etc.

5. Network is highly appreciated

The Castle Ste. Michelle Riesling review (and best bottle recommendations!) (6)

Many people have had the privilege of writing to Chateau Ste. Michelle and some of them started their own wineries. As a result, the brand has built an extensive network of former employees who remain loyal to the brand.

Some famous Washington wineries like Fidelitas, Januik, Long Shadows and many more can trace their origins to Chateau Ste. Bring back Michelle.

(Video) Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling Review with Derrick Reed

6. Palace Ste. Michelle organizes concerts every year

The castle was built in 1976 but extensively renovated in 2018. It offers tastings and tours for visitors who love white wine and are curious to know how it is made.

The castle is also home to white wine production and usually hosts a series of concerts each year. These shows are so popular that they have attracted artists like Bob Dylan, John Legend, etc.

7. Castillo Ste. Michelle owns 3 estate vineyards

Castle Ste. Michelle owns 3 vineyards, each located in the Columbia Valley AVA. They are Horse Heaven, Cold Creek and Canoe Ridge.

Both Canoe Ridge and Horse Heaven Vineyards are located on the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Cold Creek, on the other hand, is north of the Yakima Valley.

Canoe Ridge and Cold Creek vineyards have been certified safe and LIVE salmon (Low Input Viticulture Enology) since 2009. These are healthy practices designed to keep the rivers of the Pacific Northwest clean.

Wines from Château Ste. michelle

Castle Ste. Michelle tapped into the unique talents of superstar winemakers Ernst Loosen, Bob Bertheau and David Rosenthal. They are behind producing some of the best Rieslings you've enjoyed over the years.

Without them, the following Rieslings and other types of wine would never have existed. So the next time you pour a chilled glass of Riesling into a wine glass, remember to toast these talented people to health:

Castillo St. Michelle 2017 Seco Riesling Valle De Columbia

The Castle Ste. Michelle Riesling review (and best bottle recommendations!) (7)

This is Chateau Ste. It is descended from the basic Michelle wine and has maintained its exceptional value ever since. This particular Riesling is a 2017 vintage that offers delicate floral aromas along with yellow and white stone fruits.

This leads to rich citrus and orchard flavors with citrus acidity. This wine comes in at 12.5 percent alcohol by volume. It's definitely a Riesling that no wine lover would want to ignore on their shelves for too long.

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Castillo St. Michelle 2016 Eroica Riesling Valle de Columbia

Eroica is a creation of David Rosenthal and Dr. Loose and made from select fruits sourced from Washington state's finest Riesling vineyards.

Two-thirds of this exquisite fruit is harvested from the Evergreen Vineyard at Ancient Lakes AVA.

Eroica Riesling offers a very seductive and fragrant bouquet and comes with notes of lemon, yellow peach and mint. The precious wine also has an impeccable balance of sugar and acidity, while displaying a deep depth of peach, lychee and citrus with a lingering, lively mid-palate.

The 2016 Eroica Riesling is 12% ABV and typically retails for under $20.

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Castelo Ste. Michelle 2014 Eiswein Riesling Horse Heaven Hills

This authentic Horse Heaven Hills Icewine is normally harvested in mid-November at 35 Brix and then pressed almost immediately. Let it ferment for 3 weeks.

Icewine Riesling is golden yellow in color and comes with juicy yet super intense and uplifting stone aromas and flavors. The 2014 edition of this exclusive 9% ABV Riesling marks the ninth time in 59 years that Ste. Michelle Eiswein produces.

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2017 Castillo St. Michelle Rose

This wine is fresh with slight aromas of red fruits and a spicy acidity that extends from the nose to the end. However, it is an exceptional wine that goes very well with Kushi oysters.

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2015 Château Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay

This particular Chardonnay opens with notes of toasted brioche, butterscotch and toasted macadamia nuts right on the nose.

Canoe Ridge Estate Alcoholic Beverage is a warm vintage white wine with exceptional mid-palate weight, featuring a blend of tree and citrus flavors along with creamy undertones.

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Castelo Ste. Michelle 2008 Eroica Single Berry Select Riesling Horse Heaven

The Castle Ste. Michelle Riesling review (and best bottle recommendations!) (8)

This Heaven Hills Riesling Horse is made from 100% botrytis affected grapes harvested in late October or early November at 55-65 degrees Brix.

(Video) Chateau Ste. Michelle – Riesling, Columbia Valley

This high sugar wine takes 3 to 6 months to ferment to at least 7% alcohol. It rests on its lees for up to a year before finally being bottled by hand.

The Eroica Single Berry Select Riesling is tangy and shows whiskey-infused orange marmalade and dried apricot on the nose. On the palate, quite syrupy, it shows caramelized nuts, crystallized stone fruits and notes of Pedro Ximénez sherry.

This is a remarkable American dessert wine that has some of the highest residual sugars ever found among other sweet wines.

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Castelo Ste. Michelle 2016 XLC Eroica Riesling

Eroica XLC Riesling is an inaugural vintage inspired by Loosen's grandfather, who produced Riesling on dried lees in the 20th century.

This wine is made from fruit from Evergreen Vineyard (Ancient Lakes AVA) and fermented with ambient yeast in an upright oak barrel. It is then left on the complete lees without stirring and without sulphur.

This 2016 vintage remained on the lees for up to 12 months, while the 2017 vintage remained on the lees for an additional year.

This wine shows minerals and white flowers on the nose, along with citrus flavors on the lees. If you want to get the best out of this Riesling Eroica XLC, you may need to spend more time in your cellar.

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2017 Castelo Ste. Vino Blanco Michelle „Mittsommerweiß“

The white wine "Midsummer's White" is an attractive and complex blend of Muscat Canali, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

Right on the nose are aromas of white grapefruit, blackcurrant and candied ginger. As you sip this slightly sweet wine, your senses are flooded with excellent flavors of minerality, blackcurrant, pink grapefruit, green apple and tea berry in a beautiful blend.

The intense minerality is best not missed as it enhances the enjoyment of this remarkable offering from Chateau Ste. Michelle belittles it, so drink this wine ASAP.

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2014 Castillo Ste. Michelle „Viña Cold Creek“ Cabernet Sauvignon

Planted sometime in the 1970s, Cold Creek Vineyard is a welcoming place that enjoys great prestige and honor. And for good reason, as it's known for producing some of the best Cabernets in Washington state.

Perfumed or aromatic, this deeply colored war vintage opens with blackberry pie, hoisin sauce and cigar ash on the nose.

It has a good weight on the palate and gives us an excellent idea of ​​the wine's provenance. You'll enjoy the perfect blend of mocha, blackberry liqueur and tart flavors every time.

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Castelo Ste. Michelle 2016 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling Columbia Valley

While Cold Creek Vineyard is one of the hottest spots in the Columbia Valley, it's not the perfect spot for Riesling. However, it is the only winery where Ste. Riesling brewed by Michelle is produced.

Riesling was planted in the Columbia Valley over 50 years ago on the advice of André Tschelisteff and Walter Clore. Small fruit and old vines also contributed significantly to the excellent structure and concentration of the wine.

You should expect typical flavors as the palate is densely rich with ripe stone fruits. It took up to 4 weeks to harvest the grapes used to make this particular Riesling wine. Contains 12% alcohol by volume.

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Castillo St. Michelle 2010 Eroica Riesling Valle de Columbia

This is a great 2010 vintage, released in 2018, allowing for great acidity and a long wait. This wine offers impressively deep stone fruit flavors along with the perfect balance on a rich palate.

You might be surprised to learn that more than half of the fruit used to produce this 2010 vintage was harvested from the Zillah Ranch Vineyard in the Yakima Valley.

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Castillo St. Michelle 2014 Eroica Gold Riesling Valle de Columbia

The botrytis-affected fruit used in the production of Eroica Gold Riesling 2014 came primarily from Horse Heaven winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle, half of these grapes were harvested in three peaks around 32-35 Brix.

They were fermented with less than 10% alcohol by volume, leaving up to 90 g/L RS.

(Video) Why Don't People Like Riesling Wine?

The Eroica Gold Riesling wine reveals bright and tart ripe peach along with apricot in a lush and aromatic nose. Firm and rich in flavor on the palate, it ends with crunchy notes and a juicy aftertaste.

You will certainly enjoy the extraordinary taste of this wine at any time.

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Ste. Michelle Castle e Giving Back Society

So what happens to the proceeds from the Summer Concert Series held at Chateau Ste. Is Michelle under arrest? It may come as a surprise that the label also gives back to the community and industry. Few tags in its category can do this.

For example, net proceeds from the show are used to fund the charitable giving program, which conveniently supports up to 400 non-profit organizations without missing a year.

The company awarded no less than $3 million in scholarships to low-income, high-achieving students at Washington universities. They are also financial sponsors of the Viticulture and Enology Program held at Washington State University.

Castelo Ste. Michelle Weinfincas

This is a diverse collection of wineries. Each of these wineries has unique growing conditions and follows independent winemaking practices that give their wines exceptional character.

Castle Ste. Michelle's Tasting Room

The Castle Ste. Michelle Riesling review (and best bottle recommendations!) (9)

The wine display in the Chateau Ste. Michelle is a work of art in her own right. Visitors can also browse the large on-site store and even purchase various home accessories and wine appliances.

The employees of this company are polite and know Chateau Ste. Michelle de Another aspect of the tour allows you to gain insight into white wine production.

The photographic collections displayed on the walls allow you to travel back in time.

There is no doubt that you will enjoy your foray into the world of white wine production and how Chateau St\. Michelle has grown over the years to become the industry giant that she is today.

Common questions:

What are the factors that make the fundamental difference between a good Chardonnay and a great Chardonnay?

What distinguishes a good Chardonnay from an excellent one is nothing more than the attention to detail, in the vineyard and in the cellar. Chardonnay is one of those sculpted wines that requires the utmost care.
A small difference or change in the vineyard or during the winemaking process can result in a different style that may not be desirable. That's why winemakers must have the vision to go from the vineyard to the cellar and finally to the bottle to create a great Chardonnay.

Are there exceptional pairings for Eroica Riesling that one should know about?

Eroica Riesling is known for its light sweetness and fresh, natural acidity. That's why it goes well with a variety of dishes. Riesling goes very well with sushi, seafood, sausages and smoked meats.
Eroica Riesling goes well with Indian curries or Thai dishes, as they bring a certain spice to the table.

What makes Chardonnay attractive to a global audience?

Chardonnay is an easy-drinking table wine that costs less than $12. Yet today it is one of the most charming and complex white wines in the world. Of course, Chardonnay means different things to different people or wine lovers.
But you can definitely find the expression that suits you and that you like at any time!

Is there anything that sets Columbia Valley Chardonnay apart from other expressions of this particular variety around the world?

In the Columbia Valley, we have a very intriguing juxtaposition of late-season Old World cold and early-season New World warmth. This exciting phenomenon allows us to bring our grapes to a beautiful maturity without losing their delicate natural acidity.
Therefore, it is safe to say that climate, as well as sub-AVAs, have a significant impact on the outcome of the winemaking process. For example, the weather in Wahluke Slope is not the same as in the Yakima Valley or even Heaven Hills.
The characteristics of the Chardonnay produced in these areas are typically different.

Diploma

There is no doubt that Chateau Ste. Michelle will be making waves for years to come. It will continue to produce some of the best wines in the world. I don't have many reservations about the wines, particularly the Rieslings, which are mass-produced by this remarkable label.

(Video) Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2017, wine review

But I might be biased, as Riesling wines are one of my favorites. So go out there and find your own wine and keep it unreservedly. Please drink responsibly!

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