Wine of the Week: Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard 2012 Riesling Columbia Valley @SteMichelle

My New Favorite Washington Riesling

This week I spoke with Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker Wendy Stuckey; wonderful conversation and worth listening to on our #winemuse World Tour podcast. Afterwards, I was eager to bring home a bottle of her Riesling. Lucky me, I found this 2012 Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling on sale for $11.99 - a fantastic bargain for an amazing wine.

Cold Creek Vineyard was planted in the 1970's and is one of the oldest Washington vineyards. Truly impressed by this vintage and bottle of Riesling. Phenomenal wine, especially on such a hot week in the Columbia Valley. Loved this wine.

Suggested music pairing: Luluc - Passerby. Pour yourself a glass and put this album on - relax.

Tasting Notes:

Color: Pale straw, edged with green highlights.
Nose: Bright mineral core, apple peel, melon, wet slate, honey, eucalyptus kissed with cinnamon. Phenomenal nose, intense and satisfying. Peach blossom added as it warmed.
Palate: Wow! Cinnamon, melon, honey, river rock, apple, fresh, hint of sweet. A fantastic honey, apple/nectarine, mineral finish, hint of sage. Oh mama! Wonderfully balanced. Seriously good Riesling. Better and better after each sip. As the wine warmed, sweet apple/nectarine more obvious. Lip smacking occurred, yes, yes, yes.

Thoughts: It was fine with the grilled herb chicken I prepared. But it was beautiful with sliced ripe peaches and a salad with mustard dressing. Oh my! My new favorite Riesling. How have I not known about this wine? Go tell your friends. Highly Recommended + Outstanding Value!

Blend: 100% Riesling, Cold Creek Vineyard
Closure: Natural Cork
ABV: 12.5%
SRP: $20
Paid: $11.99 on sale!

Chateau Ste Michelle
www.ste-michelle.com

*Note: Chateau Ste. Michelle has recommended food pairings for this wine.

Related Post: Chateau Ste Michelle 2012 Dry Riesling.

Cheers!

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