Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2022

Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2022 is an incredibly refined, elegant, and beautifully focused white wine that perfectly highlights the distinct wind-swept terroir of Washington State's Horse Heaven Hills. Rooted in ancient gravelly flood deposit soils over 10,000 years old, the estate's vines are heavily moderated by the strong cooling wind patterns of the Columbia River, allowing the fruit to build intense flavor concentration while retaining exceptional natural freshness. Following hand-harvesting, this 100% single-vineyard Chardonnay is aged sur lie for eight months in French oak barrels (15% new) with regular stirring to develop textual richness and depth. In the glass, it reveals a luminous pale golden-straw color with bright clarity. The highly expressive, nuanced nose opens with clear, inviting aromas of fresh stone fruits, crisp green apple, and Meyer lemon zest, seamlessly layered with delicate undertones of roasted almonds, pie crust, white peach, and a soft hint of marzipan. On the palate, the wine is medium-to-full-bodied and nicely textured, showing an engaging, fruit-driven fluid coherence where a concentrated core of fresh pear and citrus is effortlessly supported by a racy line of refreshing acidity. Subtle notes of baking spice, salted caramel, and light butter play off the mid-palate, concluding with a clean, sophisticated finish marked by a touch of wet-stone minerality.

Food Pairing:

Pairs beautifully with pan-seared sea scallops, roasted herb chicken breast, garlic-butter grilled salmon, and creamy seafood risotto.

92 Points - James Suckling