washington wines
 



 

Reserve Chardonnay
 reserve chardonnay
Tasting Notes

There is so much going on with the Reserve Chardonnay. It is rich and ripe with concentrated, multi-layered fruit flavors. The wine shows aromas of pear, hazelnut and spicy toasty oak. After ten months of aging in our favorite French oak barrels, we tasted over 100 individual Chardonnay lots to pick out the best lots for the Reserve Chardonnay blend… it truly represents the best of the varietal and the best of the vintage at Chateau Ste. Michelle.
Current Vintage Fact Sheet, Acclaim, and Past Vintages
Find Our Washington Wines

The Vineyards
  • The 2002 growing season began cool, then warm temperatures (mid to high 90’s) put the crop ahead of schedule in some areas.
  • Harvest began as early as September 9, but as cool weather hit in late September activity slowed down, allowing fruit to mature and intensify flavors.
  • Fruit with small berries and well-balanced flavors characterized the vintage.
  • Chardonnay grapes from Cold Creek Vineyard (52%) and Indian Wells Vineyard (46%) provided the backbone of this wine, giving the wine complexity and depth.
Heritage of Acclaim
  • 92 pts. Wine Spectator (2000 Vintage)
  • 90 pts. Wine Spectator (1999 Vintage)
  • 92 pts. Wine Spectator (1997 Vintage)
Explore More Wine

Our Wines
Reserve Wines
Washington Chardonnay