Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
A Wine for Tonight: 2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc
By Kori ~ August 23rd, 2012.
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 2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc from the Horse Heaven Hills of Washington State.
Our selection criteria include:
- A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
- A price tag of <=$20
- 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 Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc, are made in Woodinville.
“This Sauvignon Blanc from our Horse Heaven Vineyard delivers aromas of ripe pear and notes of citrus fruit. The wine was fermented in a combination of oak and stainless steel tanks. The stainless steel fermentation preserved the Sauvignon Blanc’s vibrant character and refreshing, crisp quality.†–Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker
2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc (Horse Heaven Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington): 94% Sauvignon Blanc and 6% Semillon. Very pale straw yellow. Aromatic with fresh cut grass, citrus, and pear on the nose. Lime, lemon, grass, and a touch of grapefruit come through on the palate. Dry and medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a long, refreshing finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $15; Available elsewhere, $11 to $18
Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25
