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It has long been rumored that the few rows of vines at the entrance to Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Wash., were required so the winery could be called a "chateau."
PROSSER -- Construction is expected to start soon on the next phase of what backers say will be the state's premier educational and promotional center for Washington's wines and food products.
KENNEWICK -- Mark Twain once wrote that reports of his death were exaggerated, and the same may be true for the widely popular Stimson Estate Cellars wines.
Stimson Estate Cellars, a label for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, has been reported to be phasing out.
I, like a lot of people, have come to admire Stimson Estate wines, which come in four varieties and are sold in 1.5-liter (double-sized) bottles.
They regularly earn Wine Press Northwest magazine's top "Outstanding" rating, and the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and white Merlot are hard to beat for value.
The price for all four ranges between $10 and $12 a bottle, a great bargain considering that comes out to $5 to $6 per regular-sized bottle.
"We have been in the process of phasing out Stimson Estate Cellars wines because we no longer had the fruit source available to make these wines," said Lynda Eller, spokeswoman for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.
"We have been overwhelmed by the affection people have for these wines and have just recently been looking at options of continuing the Stimson Estate Cellars line based on quality juice availability. We hope loyal fans of Stimson Estates will try the Columbia Crest Two Vines wines, which offer a similar fruit-forward style and great value."
The Two Vines line can be found in 1.5-liter as well as regular 750-milliliter formats.
The Stimson Estate wines have been vintage dated in the past but the one's currently on the market are nonvintage.
What makes Stimson wines so popular is they are great to serve when you have the gang over for burgers or dinner.
Stimson Estate NV Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington: This is my favorite. It's so approachable and juicy with lovely berry and black currant characteristics. Great with any grilled beef from the expensive cuts to hamburgers.
Stimson Estates NV Merlot, Washington: This is a smooth red offering Bing cherries and blackberries from start to finish. This goes quite well with milder pasta dishes such as beef ravioli or lasagna.
Stimson Estates NV Chardonnay, Washington: Often a pour-by-the-glass in better restaurants, it has richness, pineapple and a hint of bananas. Welcomed as a before lunch or dinner wine or with a crab or shrimp salad topped with blue cheese.
-- On the net: www.stimsonestate cellars.com
*Bob Woehler has been writing about Pacific Northwest wines since 1978. E-mail him at bwoehler@charter.net or check out his past columns at www.winepressnw.com.
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