I have long written about Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling but have yet to write only on the range of Riesling wines that they offer that are entirely unique to all of North America. I don't think you will find a better overall lineup of Riesling wines from any producer outside of Germany and France. Chateau Ste. Michelle sell a ton of Riesling, sometimes north of one million bottles, but they also have a premier line under their ‘Eroica’ label that is now celebrating their 20th anniversary.
I fondly recall when the first started their label which was highly revolutionary for the winery. Just around the time when eminent Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker Bob Bertheau began working for them, he was introduced to Ernst Loosen from famed Mosel house Dr. Loosen. He and Ste. Michelle struck a deal for Ernst to help craft a Washington Riesling made in the Mosel tradition — and the rest has been history. David Rosenthal as white winemaker for Ste, Michelle presides over all of the Riesling wines that they craft.
I can confidently say that I have sampled every vintage of this wine. This is one of the benchmark Rieslings made in Washington and what has been most remarkable is the low cost of this wine made to consumers. When you consider the market for Riesling wines, even those from Germany or Alsace, the ‘Eroica’ Riesling consistently offers one of the best values of its kind on the planet. I loved the new 2018 Chateau Ste, Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling (WWB, 93) which has a massive degree of freshness and a wonderful vein of tension. Even better is the scintillating 2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica XLC’ Riesling (WWB, 94) which is marvelously textured wine and has some massive aging potential. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.ste-michelle.com Here are my reviews of the Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling wines.
2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling- Now at the ten year mark, the 2010 ‘Eroica’ Riesling is absolutely singing. Bright kiwi, nectarine and wet stone tones fill the nose. The palate has great freshness and vibrant tension which really impresses considering the age of this wine. Layers of kumquat zest and wet stone combine with wild mushroom and shades of green apple on the palate. It is hard to believe but this beautiful, cold vintage Riesling has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2020-2028- 93
2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling- A massive contrast to the 2010 bottling, the 2018 ‘Eroica’ Riesling is quite different but every bit as good. A vibrant sense of minerality races through the core of green apple, lemon zest and wet stone flavors. The outstanding sense of lip-smacking acidity literally makes your mouth-water. Energetic and full of life in its youth, this great new bottling will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica XLC’ Riesling- Years ago Chateau Ste. Michelle head winemaker Bob Bertheau and Ernst Loosen of Dr. Loosen were inspired to make a ‘GG’ style wine utilizing Washington grapes This is now the second edition of this wine and they have crafted nothing short of a head-turning Riesling that shows opulence, finesse and gobs of tension. The silky mouthfeel makes this effortlessly glide across the mid-palate. Layers of lemon peel and marzipan artfully combine with the earthy and wet stone undertones of this wine. Gorgeous to enjoy in its full beauty now, this gorgeous Riesling will enjoy at least another fifteen years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 94
2014 Chateau Ste Michelle ‘Eroica Gold’ Riesling- The 2014 ‘Eroica Gold’ Riesling by Chateau Ste. Michelle is a gorgeous new wine that shows great richness, texture and sense of weight. Wet stone and Pazazz apple combine with shades of cardamon and lemon rind on the nose. The palate is unctuous showing a soft texture and wonderful sense of mouthfeel. Layers of candied lemon, mango and ginger combine with earthy undertones and bright acidity on the palate. Rich and layered, with a seamless sense of texture, this beautiful new wine will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2040- 94