For two decades, Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Artist Series wines have celebrated the collaboration between artisan winemaking and fine art. Each Artist Series vintage features the work of renowned artists on the label, the company says, from blown glass to bronze sculptures to paint on canvas.
Artist Dale Chihuly (left) and Chateau Ste. Michelle Head Winemaker Bob Bertheau showcases the 2012 Artist Series. | Alabastro Photography
To commemorate the 20th vintage, Chateau Ste. Michelle is partnering with Dale Chihuly, the first artist to present artwork on the Artist Series label with the 1993 vintage. The 2012 Artist Series featuring Chihuly will release nationally in August with a suggested retail price of $65.
The Artist Series red blend is a collector’s wine that represents the highest quality and pedigree from Chateau Ste. Michelle, the company says.
For the 20th vintage label, Chihuly selected his Cast Silver Venetian. This sculpture was created by Chihuly, and then cast in sterling silver at the Walla Walla Foundry in Washington State. Inspired by Italian Art Deco, Chihuly started his Venetian series in 1988 with Italian glassblower Lino Tagliapietra. Chihuly is known for his artwork and ambitious architectural installations around the world in museums, historic cities and gardens.
To honor this special partnership, Chateau Ste. Michelle will fund an Artist in Residency Scholarship for the Pilchuck Glass School, an international center for glass art education co-founded by Chihuly, located in Stanwood, Washington.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series is a Bordeaux style blend built for aging, the company says. The 2012 vintage is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec.
Previous Artist Series artists include William Morris, Lino Tagliapietra, Ginny Ruffner, Dan Dailey, Joey Kirkpatrick and Flora C. Mace, Stanislav Libensky and Jaroslava Brychotvoa, Italo Scanga, Richard Marquis, Gerard Tsutakawa, Will Robinson, Alden Mason, Bobbie Burgers, Eva Isaksen, T.L Lange, Cara Barer, Andre Petterson, Ben Darby and Bratsa Bonifacho.
Feature Image: The Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series 2012 box set displayed at the Chihuly boathouse in Seattle, Washington. | Alabastro Photography
