Cheers for 50 years of Washington wine
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Washington State winery Chateau Ste. Michelle has been looking back to see what the future holds. At a recent commemorative dinner in Toronto, head winemaker Bob Bertheau started by asking what the assembled knew about the place he calls home.
“When you think of Washington State, what are some of the stereotypes you think of ?” asked Bertheau, who traded California for Washington State 14 years ago and never looked back.
Dinner guests were quick to answer Washington state called to mind rain, apples and cherries Some summer days call for little more than your cellphone, a credit card and your house keys; others call for a good read, sunglasses, SPF, plus all of the above. This smart leather duffel bag by HUGO by Hugo Boss is for the latter.
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as well as Seattle-based companies, such as Amazon and Starbucks. The winemaker smiled, saying he was impressed by their knowledge.
“All of those things you think of are all on the west side of the state, where it does rain a lot and there are lot of people and a lot of traffic,” he explained. “But tonight I’m going to take you a four-hour drive — three hours and 58 minutes when I set my cruise control — across the Cascade Mountains to the east side where we grow all of the grapes.”
Founded in 1967, Ste. Michelle Vintners was established in Woodinville. It became known as Chateau Ste. Michelle after the French-style building was completed in 1976. The first vineyards were introduced in the eastern part of the state in 1972.
Today Chateau Ste. Michelle
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operates two facilities. White wine is made at the original winery and hospitality centre near Seattle, while red wines are crafted near the eastern vineyards.
Another talking point for Bertheau was how well the wines age, particularly the red wines produced with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. To illustrate his point, he poured the current vintage of his wines alongside examples from 2003, 2004 or 2005. The older examples ranked as the most impressive wines of the night.
“I was telling this story recently in Düsseldorf, Germany at ProWein and they’re not as impressed with 50 years over there in the old world,” Bertheau said lightheartedly. “But here it’s a salient moment.”
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Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States BC $24.99 (497628) | AB $24 (232793) | ON $20.95 (269357) The throwback label on Château Ste. Michelle’s popular Cabernet Sauvignon is a reproduction of the 1967 label used to draw attention the winery’s 50th anniversary. Consistently made in a ripe and round style, this offers sweet fruit, cedar and smoke notes that are simple yet effective. A well-made selection that’s a versatile pizza, pasta or burger red. California, United States BC $23.99 (221887) | AB $23 (221887) | ON $22.95 (221887) Another commemorative 50th anniversary label can be found on the latest vintage of Mondavi’s pioneering Fumé Blanc. This is an enjoyable white that’s refreshing thanks to nicely balanced juicy fruit flavours and crisp acidity. The mix of tropical, citrus and savoury notes makes this an enjoyable match for grilled shellfish or dishes featuring goat cheese.