2012 Mim i C hardonnay
Ho r s e He ave n H i lls
INTRODUCING
CHARDONNAY
T A S T I NG NO T E S
“Sourced from vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills including our vineyard at Canoe
Ridge Estate, our new Mimi Chardonnay is made in a lightly oaked, elegant style that
is great with food. The wine offers apple and pear fruit character with bright natural
acidity. This Chardonnay is refreshing yet complex. I hope you enjoy it!”
-Bob Bertheau, Winemaker
V I N T AG E
•2012 was a return to the “classic” vintage conditions for eastern Washington and
a much welcomed change from the cooler 2010 and 2011 vintages.
•Bud break started slightly earlier than normal but cooler temperatures through
the early summer delayed veraison slightly.
•A warming trend began in late July and dry conditions through mid-October
were ideal for fruit ripening.
V I N E YA R D S
•Chardonnay fruit from our Canoe Ridge Estate vineyard provided the backbone
of the blend.
•An ideal site for Chardonnay, the vineyard at Canoe Ridge Estate lies on a steep
South facing slope to the Columbia River and is located in Washington’s Horse
Heaven Hills AVA.
•Planted in 1991, the site’s proximity to the river and strong wind patterns protect it from
temperature extremes, allowing uniform ripening and excellent color development.
•Grower vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills also contributed to the blend.
WI N E M A K I N G
•87% aged sur lie for six months in French and American oak to integrate
the fruit and oak flavors and provide a soft mouthfeel.
Alcohol 14.0%
Total Acidity 0.57g /100 ml
pH
3.48
Blend 100% Chardonnay
•13% stainless steel fermented to maintain the elegant, fresh style of this Chardonnay.
• Underwent malolactic fermentation for added softness, balance and depth.
F O O D PA I R I N G S
Foods: Salmon, crab cakes, poultry
Ste-Michelle.com
Item #308 © 2013 Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, WA 98072