- Last updated on March 10, 2023
Welcome! This is our Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay review.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay is a luscious and full-bodied white wine produced by one of Washington State’s oldest and most reputable wineries.
The wine is made with grapes sourced from the Indian Wells Vineyard, which is known for its warm climate and unique terroir.
This Chardonnay is a delicious representation of the winery’s commitment to crafting exceptional wines that showcase the best of the region.
Find below our Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay full review along with our food pairings recommendations, serving tips, curiosity, and where you can buy it.
Let’s begin!
Our Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay Review
- Brand: Chateau Ste. Michelle
- Grape Varietal: Chardonnay
- Region: United States, Columbia Valley
- Tasting Notes: Pear & Tropical fruit notes
- Glass & Serving: Chardonnay / 45-50 °F (7-10 °C) / Don’t decant
- Store: Up to 2-3 Years
- Price Range: ~$20
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay review: What's its color?
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay has a beautiful golden straw color that is a characteristic of the varietal.
When swirled, it forms thick, slow-moving tears that indicate its richness and full-bodied character.
If you want to know more about how to taste wine and the lingo that goes with it, check out this article: How To Taste Wine Like a Pro in 4 Steps.
What does Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay taste like?
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay is entirely made from Chardonnay grapes and aged 8 months on the lees.
On the nose, it offers a complex bouquet of aromas that is typical of the varietal.
The wine has intense notes of ripe peach and tropical fruit, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak.
There are also subtle aromas of apple and pear that add to the wine’s complexity.
On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with a creamy texture and a satisfying finish.
The flavors are intense and persistent, with notes of tropical fruit, apple, and pear that are complemented by the wine’s oak and vanilla undertones.
The wine’s acidity is well-balanced, providing a crisp and refreshing finish.
Is Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay wine sweet?
No, it’s not sweet. Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay wine is a dry wine.
A dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay review: Which food pairs well with it?
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay pairs well with a range of dishes, from roasted chicken to seafood and pasta.
It is particularly well-suited to creamy dishes, such as risotto, fettuccine Alfredo, and shrimp scampi.
The wine’s full-bodied character and creamy texture also make it an excellent pairing with grilled salmon and lobster.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay review: What's its alcohol content?
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay wine’s alcohol content is 14%.
In case you wonder about alcohol content or more precisely Alcohol By Volume, i.e. ABV, measure the alcoholic strength of a drink.
There is a direct relationship between the sugar left in the wine after the alcoholic fermentation has taken place, i.e. Residual Sugar or RS, and ABV.
During alcoholic fermentation, the yeast transforms the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.
Grapes with high residual sugar will therefore produce dry wine with a high ABV.
How many calories are in a glass of Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay wine?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture [1] a 5-ounce glass will contain about 120 to 130 calories.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. So a wine with high ABV will have a higher calories per glass than a wine with low ABV.
Furthermore, sugar contributes to the calorie count.
A dry wine will usually have 4 calories per grams vs a sweet wine that will have around 20 calories per grams of carbs, which include sugar.
Since this is an off-dry wine it will have a bit more than 4 calories per grams.
What is Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery?
Here is an extract from the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery website itself:
“Our winemaking philosophy is to highlight the style, quality and expression of our Washington state vineyards.
We strive to respect the varietal characters and individuality of each location, yet still craft each wine to give you a pleasurable, food friendly experience.“
Conclusion
Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay is an excellent example of a well-crafted Washington State Chardonnay.
The wine’s complex aromas and flavors are a testament to the quality of the grapes and the skill of the winemaker.
Its full-bodied character and creamy texture make it a versatile wine that pairs well with a range of dishes.
This Chardonnay is a delicious representation of the region’s winemaking traditions, and it is a wine that will delight even the most discerning palates.
Once you had it, we’d love to know your opinion, so reach out and let’s know what you think! Enjoy!
