Once Upon a Time there was a Naive Wine Lass

Once upon a time there was a naïve lass. This poor lass walked through life with no wine palate and no knowledge of the romantic world of wines. Her only experience with wine was a trip through Eastern Washington lovingly called the “Fruit Loop” (the name says it all). For reasons she may never completely understand (let’s not question fate), she was hired at the top Washington wine company where she proceeded to learn the intricacies of wine. Now, she spends too much money each week on her “passion” and has become a picky wine-drinking lass. Ah to be naïve again!

Were you a naïve lass or lad once upon a time? What experience moved you from the boxed Chablis, super fruity Riesling or that dreaded white Zinfandel?

Well, to continue my story…

On a sunny Seattle day (that was truly make-believe), I had the opportunity to sit in on a wine tasting with Chateau Ste Michelle’s winemaker at the time, Erik Olsen. I was curious to see how the other-half tasted wine because I was still enjoying my Riesling and having no part in purple-toothed-red-wine-drinking. Yes, I was in a room with knowledgeable mentors but I wasn’t the least bit nervous because my plan was to be a fly on the wall; to sit back and be quiet (those that know me are scowling at this moment). Sitting in front of me were tons of glasses filled with red wines. To be honest, I don’t remember any of the wines with the exception of the one that stole my heart; the one that took naïve lass into a new romantic world. Chateau Ste Michelle 1994 Reserve Ethos was the prince charming of wines. Debonair, earthy, complicated…I still get goose bumps. By the end of the tasting I had fallen in love and had horrifically purple teeth.

I found out later that MY Ethos was charming enough to be loved by many…a 91 point score in Wine Spectator. And so I realized it was time to “date” others. And thus began my passion...finding my new prince charming of wines. The search continues and yes, I have kissed many a frog-wine along the way but there are definitely princes out there!

About Chateau Ste Michelle:

Founded in 1934, Chateau Ste. Michelle is the oldest winery in Washington with some of the most mature vineyards in the Columbia Valley. The winery combines Old World winemaking with New World innovation and is best known for its award-winning Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chateau Ste. Michelle receives some of the highest accolades in the industry, including "American Winery of the Year" by Wine Enthusiast magazine for 2004 and "2005 Winery of the Year" by Restaurant Wine magazine. In addition, the winery's Eroica Riesling, crafted from a partnership with German winemaker Ernst Loosen, has been named to Wine Spectator magazine’s prestigious "Top 100" wines list for five consecutive years.

The winery's expansive, 87-acre estate hosts more than 250,000 visitors annually for tours, tastings, dinners and outdoor summer concerts. A must-see if you plan a trip to Washington wine coutry.