Chateau Ste. Michelle Wins "United States Producer of the Year" and Warren Winiarski Trophy for Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2012 International Wine and Spirit Competition
Woodinville, Wash.
Chateau Ste. Michelle was named "United States Producer of the Year" in the prestigious 2012 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). In addition, the Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded the Warren Winiarski Trophy for Cabernet Sauvignon in the IWSC competition.
Chateau Ste. Michelle was named "United States Wine Producer of the Year" in the prestigious 2012 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). In addition, the Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded the Warren Winiarski Trophy for Cabernet Sauvignon in the IWSC competition.
The international trophies were awarded at the IWSC Banquet on November 14 at the City of London Guildhall which played host to over 400 esteemed guests.
Founded in 1969, the IWSC is considered to be the oldest and most prestigious competition of its kind. Judging includes a blind tasting consisting of panels selected from over 300 experienced industry judges.
"To be selected as the top US Producer of the Year at an international level is truly a remarkable honor," says Ted Baseler, president and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. "It is a testament to the more than four decades of leadership and experience we have within Washington's wine region and the investments we've made in our vineyards, cellars and winemaking talent over the years."
The Warren Winiarski Trophy for Cabernet Sauvignon was also an important honor for the winery's winemaking team.
"Our vineyard manager Mimi Nye planted the Canoe Ridge Estate vineyard in 1991 on a steep, windy slope overlooking the Columbia River," says Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker Bob Bertheau. "It has been exciting to watch that vineyard mature and hit its stride, which makes winning the Warren Winiarski Trophy for our Canoe Ridge Estate Cab really rewarding for Mimi and our red winemaking team."
Allen Gibbons, Group Chief Executive, IWSC Group Ltd commented on the success of the Nov. 14th awards banquet:
“Last night's International Wine & Spirit Competition Awards Presentation Banquet brought together the great and good of the wine and spirits industry to reward excellence and quality in production, retailing and distilling as well as rewarding exceptional individuals.
"I would like to personally congratulate all winners for continuing to innovate, inspire and ignite our thriving industry. It was fantastic to see our very deserving winners enjoy an evening of celebration and recognition for their achievements.“
About Chateau Ste. Michelle
Founded in 1934, Chateau Ste. Michelle pioneered vinifera grape growing in Washington state and has been producing classic European varietal wines under the Ste. Michelle label since 1967. The winery combines an ongoing dedication to research with a commitment to classic winemaking traditions. The winery owns 3,500 acres of vineyards in the Columbia Valley of eastern Washington, including Canoe Ridge Estate and Cold Creek, which are LIVE and Salmon Safe Certified. Chateau Ste. Michelle enjoys winemaking partnerships with two of the world’s most distinguished vintners. Col Solare is an alliance with Tuscany’s Piero Antinori and Eroica Riesling is a partnership with the Mosel’s Ernst Loosen.
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For further information:
Lynda Eller
Lynda.Eller@smwe.com
