Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Merlot 2003

Washington State's oldest winery has inspired countless winemakers and catalyzed tremendous growth in high quality affordable Columbia Valley wines.  While some Washington wineries have dropped Merlot from their marketing mix, we're glad Ste Michelle has stood with it, because some of the best Merlot in the world comes from Columbia Valley.

Winemaker Bob Bertheau leads the white wine making team at the Woodinville (Seattle suburb) winery as well as the red wine making team at the Canoe Ridge Estate winery.

Indian Wells Merlot 2003 marked Bertheau's first red wine vintage at Ste Michelle, and it delivers his expressive new world style of winemaking.  The composition is 77% Merlot, 12% Cabernet, 9% Syrah and 2% Sangiovese.  Aging was in primarily American oak barrels, approximately 6/10 new, for 18 months.  The source of the grapes was the Wahluke Slope, including 31% from the warm sandy Indian Wells vineyard.  Cases produced: 35,500.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Deep dark crimson with purple edges, translucent.  Aromas: Lush black cherry and sweetish bourbon notes, joined by toasty oak and cola spice.  Abundant soft tannins envelop the tongue as the black cherry, tobacco, citrus rind and cocoa flavors carry well through the tart dry and generous finish.

Excellent value ($18).  Closure: Real cork.  Alcohol content: 14.2%.