OUR ESTATE VINEYARDS
CANOE RIDGE ESTATE
SOIL:
Deep sandy loam with cobblestone; low fertility.
CLIMATE:
Warm vineyard site with strong wind patterns and temperature moderation from the Columbia River. Lack of severe winter temperatures and strong winds reduce canopy size and density producing moderate vine vigor. Early bud break and early harvest with the steep vineyard slope contributing to early warming and ripening.
VARIETALS:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah
The vineyard at Canoe Ridge Estate is home to 559 acres dedicated to producing elegant, refined wines with concentration and structure. 12 million years ago, a powerful river of lava carved what is today known as Canoe Ridge or alternately a bit of "Europe on the Columbia".
The ancient lava followed the Columbia River and left huge layers of basalt behind. Deep, free-draining soils sit on top of the basalt, deposited by great floods from the last Ice Age 13,000 years ago. Young vines in search of water and nutrients easily establish deep root systems here.
Canoe Ridge Estate's windswept site in the Horse Heaven Hill's AVA provides Chateau Ste. Michelle with low-fertility soil, constant sun and steady winds coming up from the Columbia River- the perfect model for premium growing conditions.
In 1991, we planted our vineyard at Canoe Ridge Estate on the south face of the ridge that rises 950 feet above sea level. The vineyard's steep slope and proximity to the river combine to alleviate frost pockets and seasonal temperature extremes. Because winters are milder than other parts of the valley, spring bud break is earlier. In the summer, the river moderates temperatures again, giving us an extended growing season and adding character to the grapes.
Unlike most vines growing in the world today, all vines in Washington are planted on their own rootstocks, since phylloxera, a root-eating aphid, is not an issue here. The combination of the Columbia Valley's desert dryness in the summer and deep winter chill makes us more resistant to pests and molds. Having vines on their own roots helps us maintain the health and longevity of our vineyards and preserves the grape variety in its natural state with no influence from the grafted roots.
Canoe Ridge Estate wines have earned scores of 90 or higher on more than 40 of their wines; and our Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot have each received Wine Spectator 'Top 100' honors.
Sustainability is a top priority at all Chateau Ste. Michelle vineyards.
Shop Canoe Ridge Estate Wines
Horse Heaven Hills2019 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine shows the classic Horse Heaven Hills flavors of ripe dark cherries with elegant, fine tannins and layers of complexity.JamesSuckling.com- Horse Heaven Hills
2021 Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot
The vines are planted in soils of flood deposits that are more than 10,000 years old. Heat throughout the growing season is moderated by the strong wind patterns while cool nights provide optimum conditions for flavor development. This complex and elegant wine has focused flavors and silky elegant tannins. - Horse Heaven Hills
2017 Limited Release Canoe Ridge Estate Red Wine
My Old World style vineyard is a natural for beautifully sculpted, complex red blends. This one was crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), Merlot (23%), Syrah (14%), Malbec (14%) and Cabernet Franc (2%). Five varietals from one Estate vineyard make for a harmonic statement that I enjoy crafting every year. - Horse Heaven Hills
2019 Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay
This stunning vineyard sits on a south-facing, wind-swept slope high above the Columbia River. The vines are planted in soils of flood deposits that are more than 10,000 years old. Classic Chardonnay with stone fruit and citrus character is a balanced and fresh style. - Horse Heaven Hills
2020 Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay
This stunning vineyard sits on a south-facing, wine-swept slope high above the Columbia River. The vines are planted in soils of flood deposits that are more than 10,000 years old. Heat throughout the growing season is moderated by the strong wind patterns while cool nights provide optimum conditions for flavor development. Classic Chardonnay with stone fruit and citrus character in a balanced and fresh style.JamesSuckling.com - Horse Heaven Hills
2015 Limited Release Canoe Ridge Estate Red Wine
When we get to release the varietal handcuffs and blend whatever we want together it is just darn fun. These 100% Canoe Ridge Estate red wines demonstrate nuance, complexity and sheer Horse Heaven Hills AVA style. - Horse Heaven Hills
2011 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The Canoe Ridge Estate Cab is a beautifully balanced red wine that offers a classic, fresh expression of Horse Heaven Hills fruit. The wine offers black currant flavors, hints of sage and elegant tannins. Consistently warm summer temperatures lengthened the ripening period in 2011.
May not be available to ship to South Dakota. Please call for more information. - Horse Heaven Hills
2010 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The Canoe Ridge Estate Cab is a beautifully balanced red wine that offers a classic, fresh expression of Horse Heaven Hills fruit. The wine offers black current flavors, hints of sage and elegant tannins. The cooler vintage in 2010 led to an enhanced “Old World” restrained elegant character.
May not be available to ship to South Dakota. Please call for more information. - Horse Heaven Hills
2009 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The Canoe Ridge Estate Cab is a beautifully balanced wine that offers a classic, fresh expression of fruit from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. An ideal 2009 growing season helped grapes to retain their natural acidity. The wine shows varietal black olive notes with ripe cherry flavors and soft tannins. It is a versatile, go-to Washington Cabernet that can handle any food.
May not be available to ship to South Dakota. Please call for more information. - Horse Heaven Hills
2015 Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay 3L
The Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay is refined and elegant and offers apple and citrus aromas with a clean, refreshing finish. We age the wine in lighter French oak barrels to maintain the fresh, elegant style of this Chardonnay.
