Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/913027
86 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017/2018 A PAIR OF ACCLAIMED VINEYARDS Two of Chateau Ste. Michelle's single-vineyard designates—Cold Creek Vineyard and Canoe Ridge Estate—have achieved wide acclaim from the press, sommeliers, and the public (which votes with its dollars when it purchases wine). Joe Cotta is the Vineyard Manager for Cold Creek, located 38 miles due east of Yakima and among the warmest and oldest vineyard sites in the state. The soils are an alkaline hardpan, which Cotta rips to a depth of three feet to break up the compacted soil. "In most vineyards, we try to limit berry size so flavors are concentrated, but Cold Creek is unique," Cotta says. "I don't worry about berry size. The soil is naturally low in nutrition, which keeps the grape berries small. In fact, the Cabernet Sauvignon can be too powerful and concentrated in some years, so then we add Merlot to soften its intensity." Young vines waiting to planted in Cold Creek Vineyard, 1973. Vineyard Manager Kari Smasne at Chateau Ste. Michelle's Canoe Ridge Estate. Chateau Ste. Michelle's historic Cold Creek Vineyard in Eastern Washington.