Chateau Ste. Michelle 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley

Wine Enthusiast Magazine #1 Best Buy of 2021!
In 1967 under legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff, a new line of premium vinifera wines was introduced called Ste. Michelle Vintners. Celebrating more than 50 years of winemaking, Ste. Michelle a historic estate in the Columbia Valley. Columbia Valley vineyards lie in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains and receive just 6-8 inches of rainfall annually. Warm, sunny days and cool evening temperatures create ideal conditions for intense aroma and flavor development in the ripening grapes. Sandy soils with low fertility and low water-holding capacity enable precise control of vine growth.

Ripe grapes were destemmed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity. Gentle pumpovers during fermentation were used to extract color and flavor and produce soft, supple tannins. The final blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 2% Merlot, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Grenache and 1% Cabernet Franc aged 12 months in 25% new French oak, 8% new American oak and 67% neutral oak.

Wine Enthusiast awarded this a Best Buy and scored it 91 points saying "The aromas are unmistakably Cabernet, bringing full-on notes of black currant along with dried herb and a kiss of spice. The flavors are ripe, luxurious and remarkably fruit forward, with the oak pleasantly dialed back. It shows plenty of richness in the middle."