Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (RP:93)

Fifty years ago, a small winery called Ste. Michelle Vintners introduced its first vintage of European-style premium wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Yakima Valley in Washington state. It was the release that inspired today’s thriving Washington wine industry. Today, Washington is now the nation’s number two producer of premium wine with more than 50,000 planted acres, nearly 1,000 wineries and 14 AVAs. Led by Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington wines have won international acclaim and the state now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s great wine-producing regions.

The vineyard at Canoe Ridge Estate is home to 559 acres dedicated to producing elegant, refined wines with concentration and structure. 12 million years ago, a powerful river of lava carved what is today known as Canoe Ridge or alternately a bit of "Europe on the Columbia".

Canoe Ridge Estate's windswept site in the Horse Heaven Hill's AVA provides Chateau Ste. Michelle with low-fertility soil, constant sun and steady winds coming up from the Columbia River- the perfect model for premium growing conditions.

Unlike most vines growing in the world today, all vines in Washington are planted on their own rootstocks, since phylloxera, a root-eating aphid, is not an issue here. The combination of the Columbia Valley's desert dryness in the summer and deep winter chill makes us more resistant to pests and molds. Having vines on their own roots helps us maintain the health and longevity of our vineyards and preserves the grape variety in its natural state with no influence from the grafted roots.

Canoe Ridge Estate wines have earned scores of 90 or higher on more than 40 of their wines; and our Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot have each received Wine Spectator 'Top 100' honors.

Region:
Horse Heaven Hills, Washington

Country of Origin:
United States

Type:
Red/Rouge (Still)

Grape Varieties:
98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot

Tasting Notes:
A rocking value, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Canoe Ridge Estate Vineyards would cost five times the price if it came from Napa. Made from 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot, aged 22 months in 62% new French oak, it has fabulous Cabernet character in its ripe currant fruits, crushed rock, and tobacco leaf-like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, concentrated and layered, with a great texture, drink it anytime over the coming decade.