Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Sauvignon blanc is a white wine that is famous in France and New Zealand, with California also making its mark. But if this sample from Washington is any indication, there’s a new kid on the fine wine block.


Horse Heaven Hills is a wine region east of the Cascade Mountains along the Columbia River, where irrigation is used to provide precise watering for the volcanic-based, sandy loam soil.


Most of this wine is fermented in stainless steel to preserve the fresh fruit character, and the remainder is barrel-fermented in oak.

The result is a zesty, fresh and crisp wine with a tasty blend of citrus and orchard fruits; it’s a delightful, thirst-quenching sipper.


Sherry: “Dry lime and grapefruit with floral notes.” 3-1/2 stars

Chris: “Notes of melon with grapefruit and green apple.” 3-1/2 stars


Available locally for about $13.

Coming next week: Serena red