January 2012 Wine Selections

2010 Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc   — 90 Pts. Wine Advocate —

Tasting Notes
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Chateau Ste. Michelle is a restrained, elegant and delicate Sauvignon Blanc as an expression of the cooler vintage. Partial stainless steel fermentation is used to preserve the Sauvignon Blanc’s clean, pure, vibrant character and fresh, crisp quality.

Vintage
Horse Heaven Vineyard is characterized by gentle south facing slopes, sandy loam soil and a long growing season which produces fruit of consistent quality and intense varietal character vintage after vintage.

2010 was one of the coolest vintages on record and a year that tested our winemaker’s patience. The ripening season was marked by a mild spring and cool summer, resulting in harvest starting three weeks later than normal.

Winemaking
• Yeasts specifically designated for Sauvignon Blanc were used to initiate the three-week fermentation and release varietal aromas.
• 70% stainless steel fermented to preserve Sauvignon Blanc’s fresh, vibrant fruit character.

Food Pairings
• Foods: mussels, salmon, halibut, chicken, goat cheese
• Herbs: cilantro, oregano, rosemary, thyme
• Spices: cumin, curry, ginger 

2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

With heritage that dates back to the American wine industry’s pioneering roots, Villa Mt. Eden’s enduring mission is to showcase California’s diverse winegrowing regions and vineyards. An elegant collection of wines capture the unique characteristics of each region’s signature varietals, result in beautiful and elegant wines that are an expression of the vintage and the place where they are grown.

Tasting Notes
Aromas of cherries, strawberries and cola lead to rich and complex flavors of red fruit with an earthy accent note. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir exhibits refined acidity and soft, well-structured tannins. A complex and elegant wine, with a lingering, seductive finish.

Regions & Vineyards
The Sonoma Coast appellation stretches the length of California coastline between Mendocino in the North and Marin in the South. Known for its gorgeous landscape, which is subject to equal parts sun and fog, the Sonoma Coast AVA produces Pinot Noirs that are bright and lively, with beautiful red fruit flavors.