Chateau Ste. Michelle Debuts new Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Woodinville, Wash. (November 5, 2018)
Washington state’s founding winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle, will release a Cabernet Sauvignon from the renowned Red Mountain appellation in November. The wine is crafted to showcase one of Washington’s warmest and smallest American Viticulture Areas (AVA) known for bold full-bodied acclaimed red wines. The winery produced 3,000 cases of the inaugural 2016 bottling which will be available nationally with a suggested retail price of $50.
“For me, what makes Red Mountain unique are the region’s weak soils, small size and powerful sunlight which produces wines of intensity, concentration with wonderful aromatics and restrained tannins,” says Chateau Ste. Michelle head winemaker Bob Bertheau. “Our goal for the winery’s new Red Mountain Cabernet was to take the sheer power and concentration of Red Mountain fruit, while adding our signature softness and refined tannins. The wine offers aromas and flavors of black cherry, cardamom spice and dark chocolate with an elegant structure and polished tannins. When we first came to Red Mountain looking for fruit for this wine we were blown away by the uniqueness of the region and have really enjoyed working with the small community of Red Mountain growers on this blend.”
Established in 2001, the Red Mountain AVA is Washington’s smallest appellation by acreage (1,647 vineyard acres) and is located on the eastern edge of the Yakima Valley with broad south-facing slopes. The Chateau Ste. Michelle Red Mountain Cabernet is a blend from three Red Mountain vineyards; 80% Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Canyons Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Ranch at the End of the Road Syrah.
The wine is part of Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Special Sites collection which showcases distinct wines from top sites in Washington including the winery’s iconic estate vineyards. For several decades, Chateau Ste. Michelle has produced wines that embody the ultimate sense of place from its Cold Creek and Canoe Ridge Estate vineyards, which are LIVE and Salmon Safe certified. The winery is pleased to include the Red Mountain AVA in the Collection as a way to highlight the quality and regional differences within Washington state.
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 3,900 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 some of the world’s most distinguished vintners. Col Solare is an alliance with Tuscany’s Piero Antinori, Eroica Riesling is a partnership with the Mosel’s Ernst Loosen and Tenet is a collaboration with Michel Gassier and Philippe Cambie of France.
View video of winemaker Bob Bertheau discussing the Red Mountain Cabernet LINK
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For further information:
media@ste-michelle.com
