A Wine for Tonight: 2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer



By Kori ~ November 17th, 2011.

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer from the Columbia Valley of Washington State.

Our selection criteria include:

  • A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
  • A price tag of <=$15
  • Must be widely available

Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington State’s founding winery with its roots dating back to the repeal of Prohibition. In 1976, Ste. Michelle built a French-style chateau in Woodinville, just northeast of Seattle. While all of Chateau Ste. Michelle’s vineyards are located on the east side of the Cascade Mountains, all of their white wines, including this Gewurztraminer, are made in Woodinville.

“A fan favorite, this Gewurztraminer is an enjoyable wine with exuberant fruit and clove spice. This is a lush style of Gewurztraminer with a lot of floral character, yet it still maintains the grape’s natural crisp character.” –Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker

This Gewurztraminer would be a great, economical choice to pair with your Thanksgiving turkey and dressing next week.

2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer (Columbia Valley, Washington): 94% Gewurztraminer, 4% Muscat Canelli, and 2% Riesling. Pale, greenish straw yellow. Aromatic with melon, caramel, and floral notes on the nose. More melon, caramel, and floral notes as well as lychee nut and tangerine come through on the palate. Slightly off-dry and light-bodied with crisp acidity. Well-balanced with a long finish. Residual sugar: 2.05%
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $9; Available elsewhere, $7 to $12


Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Gewurztraminer, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wines Under $10, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

Reader's Comments

  1. Joeshico | November 18th, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    I love my Finger Lakes white wines, but have also been a fan of Chateau Ste Michelle for a long time. The Gewurzt is one I have yet to try and you mkake it sound so alluring(for lack of a better term). Thanks Kori for the nice review.

  2. Kori | November 19th, 2011 at 9:01 pm

    Joeshico,
    Thanks. Hope you have a chance to try the CSM Gewurz. Cheers!

  3. Steve Howe | November 27th, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    Chateau Ste. Michelle makes great Gewurtraminer and Riesling. And it’s so reasonably priced as well!

  4. Kori | December 6th, 2011 at 11:34 am

    Steve,
    You are absolutely right. I continue to be amazed at the quality wines they are able to produce in such volume. Cheers!