2007 Horse Heaven Chenin Blanc

$15.99 -- The palate has refreshing fruit and natural crisp acidity along with an underlying richness that comes from the vine age.

Purchase 2007 Horse Heaven Chenin Blanc

Tasting Notes
“This wine has been a consistent favorite of our wine club for many years, and it is one that I drink at home on a consistent basis as well! The Chenin Blanc is from our Horse Heaven Vineyard, which slopes down towards the Columbia River. This block of Chenin is approaching its 30th birthday, having been planted in 1979. Chenin Blanc is truly one of the noble white varieties that can make a wine of quality and style when grown in the right area. Its old world roots can most readily be traced back to the Loire region of France where it is grown in abundance.

Our Washington state version is cold tank fermented to seal in all the fruit-driven characteristics that the variety is known for. The first fruit descriptor that comes to mind when I smell it is one of ripe melons (honeydew to be specific!) with just a hint of spice. The palate has refreshing fruit and natural crisp acidity along with an underlying richness that comes from the vine age. Enjoy the wine and pass on the “secret” of Chenin!” -Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker

Vintage

The 2007 growing season was similar to the 2005 vintage – warm at the beginning and average temperatures throughout the rest of the season with excellent ripening conditions.
In May, one to two weeks before bloom, we saw a week of 100 degree temperatures. This heat spike lead to smaller canopy which allowed for more light penetration and contributed to overall good flavor development in the fruit. The hot temperatures also contributed to smaller berries with concentrated flavors.
Verasion was over a week earlier than usual, an indication of a smaller crop with intense flavors and good sugar development.
During fruit set the weather conditions were good and the summer saw mild to average temperatures.
At the beginning of harvest, temperatures were moderate, and October weather was ideal for harvest.

Vineyards

Horse Heaven Vineyard is located in the Horse Heaven Hills adjacent to the Columbia River in Paterson, Washington.
Planted in the 1970s, this is a moderately warm site, tempered by the Columbia River.
This vineyard is characterized by gentle south facing slopes, sandy loam soil and a long growing season.
The vineyard’s Chenin Blanc vines produced very low yields of 2.5 tons per acre.

Winemaking

The juice was fermented for 4 weeks in stainless steel.
Cool fermentation with very fruit forward yeasts were carefully monitored to preserve Chenin Blanc’s crisp fruit characteristics.

Technical Data

Total acidity: 0.66g/100ml
ph: 3.17
Alcohol: 13.0%
Blend: 93% Chenin Blanc from Horse Heaven Vineyard

Purchase 2007 Horse Heaven Chenin Blanc

Other products in the category Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine / White Wines:

2001 Domaine Ste. Michelle Luxe -- "Rich and toasty flavors of vanilla, citrus, ginger and nutmeg saturate the palate..."

2005 Columbia Valley Semillon -- This wine delivers aromas and flavors of fig, ripe melon with a hint of spice.

2005 Ethos Chardonnay -- Aromas and flavors of green apple, lemon and toasted hazelnuts lead to a soft, elegant, restrained finish.

2005 Ethos Late Harvest Riesling -- A complex wine, the Ethos Late Harvest Riesling exudes aromas of honey, apricot and spice.

2006 Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay -- This Chardonnay delivers fresh apple, ripe pear and spice aromas and flavors.

2006 Chenin Blanc Ice 375mL -- The wine is intensely rich and exudes ultra ripe melon aromas and flavors with a clean acidity.

2006 Cold Creek Riesling -- This 2006 Cold Creek Riesling offers a fruit-driven, ripe peach character, while maintaining a refined elegance.

2006 Columbia Valley Chardonnay -- This 2006 bottling is a fresh, soft Chardonnay with appealing sweet citrus fruit character with subtle oak nuances.

2006 Columbia Valley Gewurztraminer -- This Gewürztraminer is nicely balanced between fruit and the grape’s natural crisp character, while still being lush. Try this rich wine with Thai food or any cuisine with a little “bite” to it.

2006 Columbia Valley Pinot Gris -- Our Pinot Gris offers fresh aromas and flavors of ripe honeydew melon and crisp green apple.

2006 Columbia Valley Riesling -- "...character of juicy peach, apricot, ripe pear, melon, with subtle mineral notes."

2006 Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc -- "...flavors of lemongrass, apple and melon"

2006 Eroica Riesling Ice 375mL -- The Eroica White Riesling Ice Wine is an exotic, luscious, ultra ripe wine with concentrated aromas and flavors of apricot and honey.

2006 Ethos Late Harvest White Riesling 375ml -- The Ethos Late Harvest White Riesling is a complex, decadent wine with intense aromas of apricot, honey and jasmine spice.

2006 Horse Heaven Late Harvest Chenin Blanc
375mL -- The Late Harvest Chenin Blanc offers aromas and flavors of ripe melon and sweet lime. Think Key Lime pie in a glass!

2006 Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc

2006 Indian Wells Chardonnay -- "delivers pineapple, butterscotch, and vanilla aromas with notes of brown sugar"

2006 Indian Wells Riesling -- The 2006 Indian Wells Riesling exhibits fruit-driven aromas of juicy pineapple and mango.

2006 Muscat Canelli -- The Chateau Ste. Michelle Muscat Canelli is always very aromatic and floral with inviting aromas of ripe pear and ginger spice.

2007 Cabinet Riesling

2007 Columbia Valley Dry Riesling -- It offers brisk, Riesling character of white peach and mandarin oranges with a clean finish.

2007 Columbia Valley Gewurztraminer -- 87 pts. -Wine Enthusiast
"..bright, refreshing medium-dry wine with inviting aromas..."

2007 Columbia Valley Pinot Gris -- A touch of Viognier contributes texture and an attractive floral character.

2007 Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc -- The wine offers fresh aromas and flavors of lemongrass, apple and melon. We add Semillon, which contributes an appealing fig character and a beautiful soft, rich quality to the wine.

2007 Muscat Canelli -- Its sweet and fruity flavors are balanced by its light, refreshing and elegant quality. This is what I call my “Mother’s Day Brunch” wine.

2007 Nellie's Garden Dry Rose

Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blanc -- "Bright acidity and effervescence cleanses the palate, while the delicate flavors compliment a wide array of dishes."

Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Noirs -- "A delicate sparkler, with strawberry impressions..."

Domaine Ste. Michelle Cuvee Brut -- "Cuvée Brut pairs very well with Japanese cuisine.."

Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra Dry -- 88pts.- Wine & Spirits
"...elegant on the palate, and bursts with flavors of pear, guava and kiwi."

Domaine Ste. Michelle Frizzante -- Gold Medal-2006 Indy International Wine Competition
"A creamy sparkling wine, with notes of apple, pear and candied apples,..."

2007 Eroica Riesling -- 90 points-The Wine Spectator
"...classic mineral and slate notes and lively, crisp acidity with juicy white peach aromas and flavors."