Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Launches ESTIVAL
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has launched ESTIVAL, meant to celebrate white wines from Washington State’s Columbia Valley.
The first release of ESTIVAL, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, is sourced from Horse Heaven Hills, a sub-AVA of the Columbia Valley.
ESTIVAL takes its name from the Latin notion of belonging to summer, the company says.
“We are excited to introduce more people to the exceptional quality of sauvignon blanc from the Columbia Valley, and especially the Horse Heaven Hills sub-AVA,” says David Bowman, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ Chief Commercial Officer. “The region has a long history of producing exciting aromatic white wines, and sauvignon blanc is no different. We believe the distinctive style of sauvignon blanc from this special place will turn some heads.”
Adds Lacey Steffey, Head Winemaker for ESTIVAL, “I’m thrilled to be on the ground floor of this incredibly special project, where we have the opportunity to reimagine the vibrancy and elegance of white wine coming from the Columbia Valley. The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc showcases exactly why we chose the Horse Heaven Hills for this wine! Long, warm sunny days and cool nights, combined with an ever-present breeze coming off the Columbia River, set the stage for ideal growing conditions. Careful vineyard management allows for long hangtime, amazing flavor development and natural acid retention. Once the fruit is in the winery, I have creative license to play with yeast, fermentation vessels, and aging techniques…which all lead to a symphony of aromas, flavors and textures that come together beautifully in the final blend.”
The 2024 ESTIVAL Sauvignon Blanc has flavors of pineapple, lemongrass, grapefruit and passionfruit, according to the company, before finishing with layers of minerality, salinity and lime zest. Neutral barrel fermentation and lees aging give the wine its texture and weight.
This first vintage of ESTIVAL, available beginning July 2025, was crafted in limited production. The suggested retail price is $18.99 per 750-ml. bottle.
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