A Wine for Tonight: 2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling



By Kori ~ October 4th, 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 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling 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 <=$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 Riesling, are made in Woodinville.

“Our Cold Creek Riesling offers flavors of ripe peach and tropical fruit with a refined elegance. It is a rich style of Riesling, characteristic of our Cold Creek Vineyard, that reveals a crisp and refreshing finish.” –Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker

2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling (Cold Creek Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington): Pale, greenish straw yellow in color. Very aromatic with peach, apricot, and floral notes on the nose. Peach and orange zest come through on the palate. Slightly off-dry and light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a long finish. Residual sugar: 2.1%
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 4 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $15; Available elsewhere, $14 to $17


Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Riesling, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

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