Chateau Ste. Michelle wines are some of my favorites. I know customers always rave about their Chardonnay. I was so excited last weekend when I tasted out their Merlot.Chateau Ste. Michelle 2008 Merlot ($17) is from the Columbia Valley in Washington. This is 91% Merlot blended with 7% Syrah, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon; aged for 15 months in American and French oak (31% new). A medium bodied wine. Alas, no aroma in the plastic tasting cup (this drives me insane and makes me want to bring a wine glass with me). There was a light fruit flavor with leather and a hint of spice. Low tannins that are nicely integrated. Customers enjoyed.
Winemaker's Notes: “We craft this wine to be our complex yet approachable Merlot. The wine offers aromas of black cherry, leather and spice with layers of rich dark red fruit flavors. A touch of Syrah adds a jammy fruit character. I think of this wine as a great “everyday red.”
Food Pairing:
Foods: beef, lamb, grilled salmon, hearty pastas
Herbs: basill, oregano
Spice: allspice, nutmeg, star anise"
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