Pale gold color; pear, peach, pineapple, mango, granny smith apple, oak spice, vanilla on the nose and palate.
Dry; very low tannins, vibrant acidity (3.4 pH). Light body. Light oak presence. Soft, inoffensive easy drinker. Made with 100% chardonnay grapes exclusively from the McNary Vineyard in Washington. 14% ABV
Christopher Michael is an Oregon winery founded by brothers Eric and Ryan Harms in 2009. Horse Heaven Hills AVA is located in Washington State on the Columbia River boundary of Washington and Oregon. Established in 2005, the AVA covers some 570,000 acres along a 50-mile stretch of the river. More than 15,500 acres are planted in wine grapes, representing nearly 30% of Washington State wine grape production. Christopher Michael identifies itself as “Northwest Winemakers” reflecting the fact that while the winery is in Oregon, they source grapes from both sides of the Columbia River.
The website explains: “We’re creating wine for those who cherish the wonder in wandering, who understand that the best places to explore are sometimes right around the corner, and for those of us who opt for the long way home…. The idea was simple; to use our home base in Oregon’s Willamette Valley to craft outstanding wines. We believe geographic boundaries shouldn’t define the wines. They are created to be fresh, approachable, and ready for any occasion anywhere.”
Christopher Michael Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington 2022 is simple, straightforward chard. Nothing extraordinary, but certainly nothing wrong. Acidity and tasty fruit. A good effort at this price point. Pair with pork dishes. Grilled, roasted, blacken salmon; lobster with butter sauce; seared scallops; halibut with lemon butter. Roast chicken, chicken piccata, turkey with cranberry sauce. Fettuccine alfredo; lemon garlic shrimp pasta; chicken and mushroom pasta in light cream sauce. Garden salads. Cheese—brie, camembert, fresh goat cheese, aged cheddar, gruyère, comté, aged gouda, parmigiano-reggiano. $15