Ste. Michelle Ends the Year up 9.6%

Dear Client: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates grew shipment volumes by 10.9% in Q4 (Oct-Nov-Dec) and 9.6% in the full year ending Dec 30. It benefitted from the rollout of 14 Hands to the off-premise and growth in Chateau Ste. Michelle, but Q4 results were below Q3 where shipments climbed 19.7% partly due to some timing issues with Columbia Crest shipments. [Editor's note: Read our recent interview with chief Ted Baseler on the company's 14 Hands strategy here: http://www.winespiritsdaily.com/publications_daily.php?id=1602]. Volumes of