When most wine consumers think of great American wine the first wine producing state to pop in their heads 9 out of 10 times in California. However for over 100 years Washington State has been producing award winning wines making it the second largest wine producing state in the nation. However it really wasn’t until the second half of the 20th century that Washington producers really began to push the level of quality that was coming out of their wines. Two of the largest producers that really brought national attention to Washington state were Chateau Ste. Michelle and the Columbia Crest Winery. These two producers have done a great job with releasing wines that showcase Washington State grown grape varietals at all different price levels.
First up, Chateau Ste. Michelle located in Woodinville, WA. 
Built on the 1912 estate owned by Seattle lumber baron Frederick Stimson, the winery’s roots date back to the Repeal of Prohibition, when the Pommerelle Wine Company and the National Wine Company were formed. They merged in 1954 to form American Wine Growers. In 1967, American Wine Growers began a new line of premium vinifera wines called “Ste. Michelle Vintners” under the direction of legendary California winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. The winery is most noted for its best-selling Riesling bottlings. Chateau Ste. Michelle is the largest single producer of Riesling wine in the world. However, the winery also produces wines of many classic varietals and some experimental wines on a per-year basis. Among some of the amazing wines they produce Chateau Ste. Michelle has teamed up with the Dr. Ernst Loosen winery of Germany to create the year after year award winner Eroica Riesling.
Columbia Crest on the other hand really over delivers with their red wines. Their range extends from their value driven fruit forward wines with their Two Vines label to some very memorable selections from their Grand Estate and Reserve wines.
Blessed with vineyards that enjoy the right combination of soil, geography and climate, Columbia Crest makes their Two Vines selection fruit-forward and approachable in a style that is ready to drink now, yet with so much essential character that you may want to hold them a year or two before pulling the cork. Critics such as Wine Spectator have repeatedly praised these wines for their value and high quality.
Moving up one notch is their Grand Estate wines produced with grapes grown right in Columbia Valley. Grand Estates draws its distinctive and distinguished intensity with attention to detail from prime vineyards in eastern Washington’s Columbia Valley. The Grand Estates team creates astonishing wines true to the varietals’ expression of this region – luxuriant while vibrant, with a balance that begins in the vineyards and is enhanced in the cellar.
Some of the most searched for wines from the Columbia Crest portfolio are from their Reserve line. Searches for Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet exploded this past year when their 2005 Reserve Cab was rated 95 Points by Wine Spectator. Unfortunately this wine only had a limited production and is now sold out throughout most of the country. However these are wines you should keep on your radar.
Wines to check out:
Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay Cold Creek Vineyard
Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay Indian Wells
Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Riesling Eroica
Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Two Vines
Columbia Crest Syrah Grand Estates
Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Estates
Filed under: Hot New Wines, Wine, Wine Links, Wine Spectator, Winery Features
