Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling 2008

Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA
$16-19 +232512 at BC Liquor Stores and private liquor stores
www.ste-michelle.com

I’m in Seattle right now, spending much too much time browsing wine. The selection and prices down here makes me sick with envy, and if we didn’t have the 2 bottle/person limit for bringing wine home (and the 100%+ duty on additional bottles) my trunk would be packed. I bought and very much enjoyed a bottle of refreshing Cava last night for $7 at the local grocery!

In the BC market, value and American wine are at polar opposites. This winning white however is consistently stellar. Ch. Ste. Michelle is America’s largest Riesling producer, and Washington State is said to have the most Riesling plantings worldwide outside of Germany, the birthplace of this noble grape. So you have to trust that winemaker Bob Bertheau and the good folks at the Woodinville winery know what they’re talking about. This is a medium dry white, with limey minerality, floral, Asian pear and white peach notes. Green apple-crisp acidity seamlessly evens out the residual sugar, leaving a balanced, food-friendly white. Well done and vibrant new world Riesling – and a value USA pick for BC buyers. Pair with citrus dressed chicken salad or lighter Asian-fusion fare.

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Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling 2008

In the BC market, value and American wine are at polar opposites. This winning white however is consistently stellar. This is a medium dry white, with limey minerality, floral, Asian pear and white peach notes. Green apple-crisp acidity seamlessly evens out the residual sugar, leaving a balanced, food-friendly white. Well done and vibrant new world Riesling – and a value USA pick for BC buyers. Pair with citrus dressed chicken salad or lighter Asian-fusion fare.