2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc

--By Norm Bentley on --

Norm’s Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The high ridge up above the Columbia River, in Washington State is named Horse Heaven for the wild horses that used to roam there. It could be named Wine Heaven, for the wines which come from there. We just sampled our fourth consecutive vintage of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc, which is the 2011, and just like the previous three, it is a stand out bottle of wine.

I had this to say about the 2009 vintage: “The wine starts with a little lime citrus aroma which melts into the taste of a little citrus, a little grassy, and a lot of ripe pear. The finish is clean and crisp, and sails on into the night. This wine is so tasty, you could sit on the back porch and consume the whole bottle by yourself!” The 2011 vintage is similar in taste, with a little less citrus and a hint of tropical fruit combining with the pear flavor. The 2009 was a score of 89, and I find this one to be the same. Alcohol is a mild 13%, and the 6% Semillon added to the Sauvignon Blanc provides a little extra crispness to the finish.

This ia wonderful wine with shellfish, and also would be great with any summer salad. We enjoyed it with grilled chicken tenders marinated in a spicy lemon-lime sauce, with a garden salad on the side, highlighted by “home-grown” tomatoes. Norm’s score is 89.

Score: 89
Price: $13 – $17

Norm’s Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm’s Tasting Notes available N>online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com

WINE – God’s proof of his love for humanity