Norm’s Tasting Notes: 2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay
The North Georgia Wine Advisor
2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay
#20-2021
I have cooked Tuna Steaks on the grill in the past, but this time we had high-grade tuna which we wanted to turn into Ahi-Tuna Salad, so they had to be seared, and come off the grill pretty rare. I did fairly well with the tuna, and although either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, pairs well with tuna, we chose Chardonnay, since it was a salad. The 2018 Indian Wells Chardonnay from Washington was great!
This is a buttery and creamy Chardonnay with big fruit and enough acidity to stand up to a spicy dish, which might even contain Wasabi (a key ingredient for Ahi-Tuna). The flavor spectrum is enhanced by notes of tropical fruit and a touch of apricot, with a mild oak finish. The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm’s score is 90.
A bottle of Indian Wells would also be great with Cedar-Plank Salmon.
Score: 90
Price: $14-$19