Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay

Chateau Ste Michelle's Chardonnay is a Washington State white wine bottled at 13.5% alcohol by volume. That moderate strength points to a wine with a medium body: fuller than a crisp unoaked white, but not as heavy as the richest, most heavily oaked styles. Washington's warm, dry growing season combined with cool nights tends to preserve acidity in Chardonnay, and wines from the state usually show ripe orchard fruit held in check by a clean, fresh finish rather than a buttery, flabby one. In the glass, expect citrus and apple notes at the center, with tropical touches such as pineapple or melon at the edges, and a restrained layer of oak that adds a little vanilla or toast without taking over. Because Chardonnay is a white grape, there is no tannin to speak of; structure comes from the acidity, which should give the wine a lively, refreshing line through the mid-palate and a moderately long, clean finish. Styles like this are built for easy drinking rather than heavy intensity. At the table, a wine of this weight suits roast chicken, pan-seared salmon, creamy pasta dishes, crab cakes, and mild, soft cheeses such as brie or young gouda. It also works with corn chowder or grilled pork, where the fruit complements sweetness in the food. Very spicy dishes and bold tomato sauces will tend to overwhelm it, so lighter, butter- or cream-based preparations are the better match. Serve it chilled but not ice-cold, ideally between 45 and 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a refrigerator it can taste muted, so give it about fifteen minutes on the counter if it has been very cold. It does not need decanting; simply pour and let it open in the glass. A medium-sized white wine glass with a slightly wider bowl lets the fruit and light oak come forward while keeping the acidity in focus. This is a drink-now bottle, best enjoyed within a few years of purchase rather than cellared for long-term aging.