Hedges Family Estate CMS White

Hedges Family Estate CMS White is a biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc-dominant white blend from Washington State, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2017 vintage earned a Gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and the wine has consistently scored between 86 and 89 points across multiple vintages from respected critics. CMS refers to its three-grape composition: Chardonnay, Marsanne, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Red Mountain AVA, Washington State  |  Blend: 78% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, 2% Marsanne  |  Producer: Hedges Family Estate

Production & Heritage

Hedges Family Estate is situated on Red Mountain AVA in Washington State, one of the state's most prized appellations. The estate practices biodynamic farming and employs time-honored winemaking techniques across its vineyard holdings. The CMS White draws from Columbia Valley fruit and stands as one of the original malic-acid friendly white wines released from Washington State — a distinction that speaks to its role as a pioneering expression in the region's white wine landscape. The blend leans heavily on Sauvignon Blanc at 78%, with 20% Chardonnay adding body and a trace of Marsanne at 2% contributing textural complexity. Decanter described it as having "great mouthfeel and structure; ripe and rich with a French touch."

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with lemon verbena and key lime before unfolding into layers of honeydew, grapefruit, and passionfruit. Underneath, ripe apple and pear aromas emerge alongside subtle floral and guava-like characters that give the bouquet real depth.

Taste: The entry is crisp and bright, driven by clean acidity and vivid citrus. At mid-palate, stone fruit and ripe apple expand the flavor, while the Chardonnay component introduces a slightly creamy, rounded texture. The peak reveals a beautifully structured core of Sauvignon Blanc fruit with defined herbal sophistication and a delicate balance of acid angularity.

Finish: The finish is refreshing and satisfying, carrying grapefruit and citrus flavors with moderate persistence. A subtle buttery quality from the Chardonnay lingers alongside clean mineral tones.

How to Drink CMS White

Serve chilled between 45–50°F to let the aromatic complexity fully express itself; this wine rewards attention neat in a proper white wine glass. For cocktail-adjacent applications, three wine-based drinks suit it well: a classic White Wine Spritzer, where the wine's natural acidity and tropical fruit shine through the effervescence; a Sangria Blanca, where the passionfruit and citrus notes amplify fresh summer fruit; and a French 75 variation using wine in place of Champagne, where the Marsanne's textural weight holds up against lemon and gin.

Best For

• Introducing friends to serious Washington State white wines beyond Riesling
• Warm-weather patio dinners featuring seafood or grilled vegetables
• Gifting to wine enthusiasts interested in biodynamic producers
• Pairing with a multi-course meal where versatility across dishes matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CMS White taste like? CMS White delivers crisp citrus and tropical fruit — particularly grapefruit, passionfruit, and stone fruit — with a slightly creamy mid-palate and bright, refreshing acidity. A subtle herbal quality adds complexity without overshadowing the fruit.

How does CMS White compare to Château Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc? Both are Washington State Sauvignon Blancs from Columbia Valley, but CMS White distinguishes itself through its multi-grape blend (adding Chardonnay and Marsanne for body and texture) and its biodynamic farming approach. The Hedges bottling tends toward a rounder, more structured profile compared to a straightforward single-varietal Sauvignon Blanc.

Is CMS White good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its layered aromatics and balanced acidity make it a rewarding wine to drink without food, particularly when served well-chilled on a warm day.

Where is CMS White made? CMS White is produced by Hedges Family Estate, located on Red Mountain AVA in Washington State. The grapes are sourced from Columbia Valley, one of Washington's largest and most important wine regions.

What foods pair well with CMS White? Grilled halibut or sea bass, where the wine's acidity cuts through rich flesh; goat cheese salads, which complement the herbal and citrus notes; roasted chicken with lemon and herbs for a classic pairing; Thai green curry, where the tropical fruit tones mirror the dish's aromatics; and fresh oysters, which highlight the wine's mineral and grapefruit qualities.

What sizes does CMS White come in? CMS White is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is CMS White worth the price? CMS White positions as an accessible, everyday-quality wine from a biodynamic estate — a combination that is relatively uncommon at its price tier in Washington State. With consistent critic scores in the high 80s and a Gold medal to its name, it delivers genuine complexity for an entry-level estate wine.

Why CMS White?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of Washington State whites is its pedigree and purpose. Hedges Family Estate farms biodynamically — a commitment that goes well beyond organic certification — and the CMS White was among the first malic-acid friendly white wines released from the state, giving it a legitimate claim as a regional pioneer. The three-grape blend is not a marketing gimmick; the Sauvignon Blanc provides the aromatic engine, Chardonnay delivers weight and roundness, and the small percentage of Marsanne adds a textural nuance you simply do not find in single-varietal bottlings at this level. For anyone seeking a white wine that reflects its origin with genuine character rather than manufactured appeal, the CMS White earns its place.