Best of Both Worlds
By pulling together Old and New, the long-standing partnership of Ernst Loosen and Katie Nelson has been effortlessly maintained through a dedication to continual growth.
At the blending table, Ernst and Katie test dozens of small lots through sensory exploration, where each reflects a slight difference in character, depending on where the fruit was grown. Ernst travels from Germany every winter for the blending, so the two winemakers can work side-by-side in their careful selection process.
Winemaking Philosophies
With a philosophy that balances a global view, Ernst and Katie make wines that stand out as truly distinctive and world-class. Their outlook allows them to maintain respect for tradition while taking a modern approach.
“I have long believed that a Riesling revival would have to start with a prominent New World winery like Chateau Ste. Michelle.”
– Ernst LoosenErnst Loosen
Ernst Loosen was born into a great tradition of German winemaking. The Dr. Loosen estate on the Mosel River has been in his family for more than 200 years. During the last two decades, Ernst has traveled the world promoting the fine quality and long tradition of Riesling. With his modern world view and his traditional approach to winemaking, Ernst strives to produce wines that unmistakably express the character of Riesling and of the vineyards where they are grown.
“Washington state vineyards have the depth, balance and bright fruit character to craft an exceptional Riesling.”
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“Eroica harnesses Ernst Loosen’s German perspective and vast knowledge, along with Chateau Ste. Michelle’s leadership and history with Washington Riesling.”
– Katie NelsonKatie Nelson
With nearly 30 years of winemaking experience, Katie Nelson leads the state’s largest, most iconic and acclaimed winery, crafting a diverse range of Chateau Ste. Michelle’s award-winning wines. She began her career at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in 1999 as an enologist, left briefly in 2015 only to return in 2018 as head winemaker for Columbia Crest, and ultimately promoted to Vice President of Winemaking for Chateau Ste. Michelle in 2021.
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