For thoughts on Chateau Ste Michelle’s uniqueness and recent evolution, consult my extensive April, 2013 text designed to introduce recent tasting notes.Ste Michelle’s Ste Michelle’s 2010 Chardonnay Cold Creek Vineyard is handled quite differently from the corresponding Canoe Ridge, the two having sojourned in barrels with no tonnelier in common, here half new, and all completing malo. The old Chardonnay vines on this site, notes Bertheau, crop very low so they have to be picked quite early. Putting that information together, it’s not surprising that there is an overtly lactic character here from complete transformation of what would have been high malic must. The result is some blurring of flavors, though lightly-baked apple and lightly-toasted hazelnut piquancy and richness are pleasant and there is a silken feel and persistent finish. I would plan to drink this soon, though. (The corresponding 2009 harbored more bitterness by way of candied lemon rind and nuts, and yet more obvious lactic acid.) Tel. (425) 488-1133