Roving Sommelier is passionate about premium quality regional wines. Located within the famous winegrowing district of the Columbia Valley in Washington State, USA, Chateau Ste Michelle has developed a wonderful global reputation for their flavoursome wines. The winery first came onto my wine radar back in early 2000, when I visited the winery amongst other vineyards in the Pacific Northwest region. Not only did I find these new discoveries very interesting, but I became aware of the potential for world-class wines.

Eroica begins in the vineyard with Ernst Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker Bob Bertheau collaborating on site selection, irrigation management, crop levels and canopy management. They work with vineyard managers to adjust yields and manage fruit exposure to prolong the ripening season for added flavour development of these cooler climate vineyards. “Evergreen Vineyard” in the Ancient Lakes AVA provided the backbone for the 2014 blend. “Zillah Ranch” and “Whiskey Canyon” vineyards in the Yakima Valley also contributed to the blend.

The berries went directly to the press, avoiding the possible loss of freshness caused by a crusher/ de-stemmer. A cool fermentation created a seamless integration of fruit, sugar, and acid, while selected fruit-driven yeasts, with slower fermentation rates, were used to prolong fermentation to further heighten fruit flavours. Ernst Loosen and Bob Bertheau considered dozens of small lots, each reflecting a unique character depending on where the grapes were grown; this is reflected in the complexity of the final blend.

Generous, just slightly off-dry Riesling made in Columbia Valley in collaboration with a legendary German Riesling producer, Dr Loosen; this is awash with limes and tangerines, with a touch of honey on the finish. Best enjoyed served chilled and in a convivial atmosphere.