Winemaker Notes
2004 marked Bob Bertheau's first red wine harvest for ChateauSte. Michelle, where he managed the red winemaking from startto finish for the first time. His goal was to produce a softermouthfeel and enhanced complexity for the red wines, whilehighlighting the elegance of Canoe Ridge Estate fruit.
The 2004 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet delivers black cherry fruit,spicy oak, leather and sweet caramel characters. Its soft,elegant, slightly dusty finish is typical of Canoe RidgeEstate. This wine shows the more "subtle" side ofWashington Cabernet. It doesn't hit you over the head, butrather gently entices you with seductive fruit and spicelayers.
Try this with penne pasta marinara or vealscaloppini. Those slightly "dusty Tuscan" tannins are agreat match with Italian foods.
Washington produces so many exciting wines, and that definitely includes Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. With over 10,000 acres under vine, Cabernet Sauvignon is now the most widely-grown varietal in the state. Terrific examples hail from sub-appellations like Red Mountain, Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla Valley. One of the fascinations of these Columbia Valley Cabs is that they so often seem to have one foot in the New World and one in the Old. Representing the former are characteristics like the ripe, forward fruit that results from long sunny days during the growing season (up to two hours longer than in much of California). Old World similarities include an undeniable brightness from acidity, as well as notes of herbs, graphite and a dusty, sometimes gravelly minerality.
Whether you’re looking for a budget bottle for everyday enjoyment, or a stellar, world-class wine with tremendous aging potential, Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines can deliver the goods! Among the many fine options are bottles from Columbia Crest, Chateau Ste. Michelle, L’ecole #41, Quilceda Creek and Leonetti.