Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling, 2010 and Menage a Trois Red, 2009

The wines for Saturday's tasting were Chateau Ste. Michelle 2010 Harvest Select Riesling and Menage a Trois 2009 Red.  

 Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling 2010 is a sweet Riesling from Columbia Valley, Washington.  The grapes are left on the vine for a longer period of time allowing the sugars to build up.  This is a crisp, nicely balanced wine with flavors of peach and apricot. In the summertime it will be oh so refreshing. Customers enjoyed this wine.   

Winemaker's Notes:  This second vintage of our Harvest Select Riesling is made in a slightly sweeter style than our “Columbia Valley Riesling” but still shows the elements of classic Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling. It offers beautiful crisp Washington Riesling character with rich flavors of ripe peaches and apricot. The fresh fruit and decadent character is balanced with crisp acidity to keep the wine in harmony. This is a perfect patio sipping wine or would be a great match with Thai food. Enjoy!  Pair with fresh fruit, crab, Asian dishes, mild cheeses. 

The second wine tasted was 2009 Menage a Trois Red from Folie a Deux Winery in Napa Valley, California.  This is a blend of 46% Zinfandel, 31% Merlot, and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon. I find the mouthfeel to be a  bit thin for me, but the aroma and flavor are very nice. Menage a Trois Red has a great cherry aroma.  The flavor is cherry and berry with slight tannins.  Customers truly enjoy this wine. 

Winemaker's Notes:  Our 2009 Menage a Trois exposes the fresh, ripe, jam like fruit that is the calling card of California wine.  Forward, silky and soft, this delicious dalliance makes the perfect accompaniment for grilled meats or chicken.