A Wine for Tonight: 2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling from the Columbia Valley in Washington State.

Our selection criteria include:

• A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
• A price tag of
• Must be widely available

Washington is the largest Riesling producing state in the United States. And, Washington State’s own Chateau Ste. Michelle is the largest Riesling producer in the world. Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington State’s founding winery with its roots dating back to the repeal of Prohibition. In 1976, Ste. Michelle built a French-style chateau in Woodinville, just northeast of Seattle. While all of Chateau Ste. Michelle’s vineyards are located on the east side of the Cascade Mountains, all of their white wines, including this Harvest Select Riesling, are made in Woodinville.

“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!” –Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker

2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling (Columbia Valley, Washington): Pale, greenish straw yellow in color. Nose is a bit tight at first, and then apple aromas come through. Apple, pear, honey, peach, and apricot come through on the palate. Medium sweet and light to medium-bodied with lively acidity, good mouthfeel, and a long, smooth finish. Residual Sugar: 4.98%
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $9; Available elsewhere, $6 to $12

A Wine for Tonight: 2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.