<![CDATA[
<h1>2008 Columbia Valley Chardonnay -- Chateau Ste. Michelle Shopping Cart</h1>
<b>$14.99</b>
-- <i>a pleasurable, food-friendly Chardonnay</i>
<p>
<img src="https://store.nexternal.com/csm/images/cv_chardonnay.gif" align="right" alt="2008 Columbia Valley Chardonnay" name="2008 Columbia Valley Chardonnay" border="0" hspace="10" />
<p><b>TASTING NOTES</b> <br />“My goal with the Columbia Valley Chardonnay is to make it a pleasurable, food-friendly Chardonnay. This is a fresh, soft style of Chardonnay with bright sweet citrus fruit character and subtle spice and oak nuances. We blend Chardonnay grapes from vineyards all over Washington’s Columbia Valley to make this a complex, interesting wine. The <i>sur lie</i> aging gives it an appealing softness.” -<em>Bob Bertheau, Winemaker</em></p>
<ul>
<b>VINTAGE</b><li>A “perfect” ripening season with full crop yields, and restrained sugar levels led to outstanding wines from Washington state’s Columbia Valley in 2008.</li>
<li>Delayed slightly by cool spring weather and a moderate summer, harvest began 10 days later than normal.</li>
<li>Hot weather in August provided ideal ripening conditions for grapes across all varietals and harvest was quickly ramped up in order to obtain fruit at the<br />optimum ripeness.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<b>VINEYARDS</b><li>Columbia Valley vineyards lie in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains and receive just 6-8 inches of rainfall annually.</li>
<li>Sandy soils with low fertility and low water-holding capacity enable precise control of vine growth.</li>
<li>Warm, sunny days and cool evenings create ideal conditions for aroma and flavor development in the ripening grapes.</li>
<li>A northerly latitude gives the Columbia Valley roughly two more hours of sunlight daily during the peak-growing season than California, increasing<br />the region’s ability to ripen fruit.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<b>WINEMAKING</b><li>The Columbia Valley blend is made from numerous vineyard lots resulting in a complex, layered Chardonnay.</li>
<li>The mostly Epernay II yeast imparts soft, fruit forward flavors in the finished wine.</li>
<li>Malolactic fermentation follows yeast fermentation for added richness and complexity.</li>
<li>10% tank fermented Chardonnay was added to the blend to make a fresh, friendly style of Chardonnay.</li>
<li><i>Sur lie</i> aged for more than six months in a mix of French and American oak barrels (10% new) with regular stirring to soften the wine and integrate fruit<br />and oak flavors.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<b>TECHNICAL DATA</b><li>Alcohol: 13.5%</li>
<li>Total Acidity: 0.54g /100ml</li>
<li>pH: 3.52</li>
<li>Blend: 100% Chardonnay</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<b>FOOD PAIRINGS</b><li><b>Foods:</b> Crab, poultry, salmon, scallops</li>
<li><b>Herbs:</b> Ginger, lemon zest, tarragon, thyme</li>
</ul>
</p>
<p>
<ul style="padding-left: 15px">
</ul>
</p>
<p><b>Other products in the category <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Category10" title="Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine">Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine</a> / <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Category45" title="Columbia Valley">Columbia Valley</a>:</b>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product362" title="2004 Chateau Ste. Michelle Orphelin Red Blend">2004 Chateau Ste. Michelle Orphelin Red Blend</a> -- bursts with ripe, red fruit and layers of spice and milk chocolate.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product349" title="2006 Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon">2006 Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon</a> -- <p class="rating">92 pts Wine Advocate | 90 pts Wine Spectator Insider</p>offers dark fruit aromas with flavors of boysenberry and mocha on a decadent rich palate and an elegant finish.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product358" title="2006 Ethos Merlot">2006 Ethos Merlot</a> -- <p class="rating">91 pts Wine Advocate</p>delivers sweet raspberry and bright black cherry fruit character with elegant, dusty tannins.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product370" title="2006 Red Blend Boreal - Limited Release">2006 Red Blend Boreal - Limited Release</a> -- finishes with a silky texture, subtle tannins and wonderful complexity.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product351" title="2006 Red Blend Austral - Limited Release">2006 Red Blend Austral - Limited Release</a> -- dark fruit flavors greet the palate and finishes with hints of black licorice and earthy tannins.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product474" title="2007 Red Blend Boreal - Wahluke Slope">2007 Red Blend Boreal - Wahluke Slope</a> -- finishes with a supple texture, brisk tannins and wonderful complexity...</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product464" title="2007 Columbia Valley Grenache - Limited Release">2007 Columbia Valley Grenache - Limited Release</a> -- "...light and floral wine bursts with cherry and lavender aromas, and delivers concentrated flavors of raspberry puree."</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product322" title="2007 Marier Sauvignon Blanc">2007 Marier Sauvignon Blanc</a> -- this incredibly complex Sauvignon Blanc exudes aromas of sweet hay and grass.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product416" title="2007 Mourv&#232dre - Limited Release">2007 Mourvèdre - Limited Release</a> -- a round and elegant wine that exhibits flavors and aromas of Herbes de Provence.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product315" title="2007 Nellie's Garden Dry Rosè">2007 Nellie's Garden Dry Rosè</a> -- shows beautiful fruit aromas and flavors of strawberry, raspberry and subtle spice notes.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product398" title="2007 Nellie's Garden Dry Rosè (CASE)">2007 Nellie's Garden Dry Rosè (CASE)</a> -- <p class="rating">Case Sale - Limited Time Offer</p>shows beautiful fruit aromas and flavors of strawberry, raspberry and subtle spice notes.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product392" title="2008 Columbia Valley Gew&#252;rztraminer">2008 Columbia Valley Gewürztraminer</a> -- this Gewürztraminer pops out of the glass with exuberant fruit and clove spice.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product386" title="2008 Columbia Valley Pinot Gris">2008 Columbia Valley Pinot Gris</a> -- offers fresh aromas of melon, apple and a hint of spice with a crisp finish.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product374" title="2008 Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc">2008 Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc</a> -- offers fresh aromas of herbs and lavender with a beautiful floral note.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product409" title="2008 Muscat Canelli">2008 Muscat Canelli</a> -- a fan favorite in our winery’s retail shop, this wine makes a refreshing aperitif.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product371" title="2008 Waussie Riesling - Limited Release">2008 Waussie Riesling - Limited Release</a> -- fine citrus fruit flavors, a refined and delicate palate and a long finish.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product466" title="2009 Columbia Valley Chardonnay">2009 Columbia Valley Chardonnay</a> -- a pleasurable, food-friendly Chardonnay</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product438" title="2009 Columbia Valley Dry Riesling">2009 Columbia Valley Dry Riesling</a> -- offers beautiful ripe peach and apricot aromas with a clean finish.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product448" title="2009 Columbia Valley Gew&#252;rztraminer">2009 Columbia Valley Gewürztraminer</a> -- a fan favorite, this Gewürztraminer is such an enjoyable wine with exuberant fruit and clove spice.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product426" title="2009 Columbia Valley Harvest Select Riesling">2009 Columbia Valley Harvest Select Riesling</a> -- offers beautiful crisp Washington Riesling character with rich flavors of ripe pears and peaches.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product460" title="2009 Columbia Valley Riesling">2009 Columbia Valley Riesling</a> -- delivers sweet lime and peach character with subtle mineral notes.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product455" title="2009 Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc">2009 Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc</a> -- ...offers fresh aromas of herbs and lavender with a beautiful floral note...</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product417" title="2008 Viognier">2008 Viognier</a> -- offers a crisp citrus and ginger finish with just the right amount of body.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product285" title="2006 Cinsault - Limited Release">2006 Cinsault - Limited Release</a> -- pomegranate fruit flavors enhanced by a zesty, white pepper spice.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product395" title="2006 Malbec">2006 Malbec</a> -- fruit flavors give way to a caramel and blueberry finish.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product411" title="2007 Cinsaut - Limited Release">2007 Cinsaut - Limited Release</a> -- Try this with our traditional Northwest salmon-it’s an excellent Washington pairing!</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product427" title="2007 "CSM" Red Wine Wahluke Slope">2007 "CSM" Red Wine Wahluke Slope</a> -- Soft flavors of brown sugar are married with red fruits and are enhanced by a jammy mid-palate.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product407" title="2007 Red Blend Austral">2007 Red Blend Austral</a> -- fruit flavors meld nicely with hints of black licorice.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product429" title="2007 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon">2007 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon</a> -- inviting Cab with plenty of complexity and structure.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product325" title="2005 Columbia Valley Petit Verdot">2005 Columbia Valley Petit Verdot</a> -- The nose is jam-packed with cocoa, spice, tobacco, black cherry and just a hint of lilac.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product324" title="2005 Columbia Valley Tempestade">2005 Columbia Valley Tempestade</a> -- powerful flavors of boysenberry jam, cedar, tobacco and a full, rich, layered finish.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product302" title="2005 Wahluke Slope Syrah">2005 Wahluke Slope Syrah</a> -- hints of warm boysenberry fruit and roasted espresso grace this soft Syrah.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product384" title="2006 Columbia Valley Tempestade - Limited Release">2006 Columbia Valley Tempestade - Limited Release</a> -- <em>Vintage Reserve Concert Wine - Special Club Member Offer</em><br /><br />delivers pronounced aromas of chocolate, coffee and spice.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product463" title="2006 Wahluke Slope Syrah - Limited Release">2006 Wahluke Slope Syrah - Limited Release</a> -- "...this wine is fleshy, viscous and mouth-filling."</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product419" title="2007 Fringes Pinot Noir - Limited Release">2007 Fringes Pinot Noir - Limited Release</a> -- beguiling aromatics are joined with a velvety-smooth palate and a long, toasty finish.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product271" title="2005 Red Blend Boreal">2005 Red Blend Boreal</a> -- finishes with a silky texture, brisk tannins and wonderful complexity.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product284" title="2005 Red Blend Austral - Limited Release">2005 Red Blend Austral - Limited Release</a> -- dark fruit flavors and strawberry notes greet the palate</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product461" title="2006 Columbia Valley Merlot">2006 Columbia Valley Merlot</a> -- aromas and flavors of black cherry, cola, leather and spice.</li></ul>
<br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li>
<a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product453" title="2006 Columbia Valley Syrah">2006 Columbia Valley Syrah</a> -- dark ripe berry fruit aromas and flavors with hints of vanilla and brown sugar spice...</li></ul>
</p>
<br clear="left" /><br /><p><a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com" title="Chateau Ste. Michelle Products">Chateau Ste. Michelle Products</a></p>
<br clear="left" /><br /><br /><br /><br />
<br /><a href="http://www.ste-michelle.com">Chateau Ste. Michelle</a>
<br />Chateau Ste. Michelle Online Store powered by Nexternal <a href="http://www.nexternal.com" title="ecommerce solutions">ecommerce solutions</a>
]]>