RKS 2023 Wine: Washington State Syrah? Chateau Ste. Michelle: Memories of the January 6th Coup Attempt!

There is no doubt that Washington State can produce top quality Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon but can the same be said for Syrah?

I suppose we might start with a big Washington State winery that produces quality wines at least the ones we are seeing in Ontario. Up on the witness stand is a Chateau Ste. Michelle 2019 Syrah from the Columbia Valley.

Aroma: Despite the generous amount of Yankee oak there are ample amounts of blackberries and blueberries swirling in the glass with just a hint of black coffee. The oak is not overdone and makes the wine approachable for the mass market.

Palate: Unfortunately, all the fruit dancing in the glass fails to fully materialize on the dance floor. Indeed, the blackberry and blueberry is present but in a harsher format almost as if the oak can’t cut through it like some police blockade failing to impede the protestors to overtake the legislature although that reference might be more appropriate for Washington in the District of Columbia as opposed to Washington State!

Personality: I come on smooth as a politician on the six-p.m. news but get to know me perhaps instead of sitting in the legislature I should be hosting a Fox News “Inside Washington” broadcast.

Food Match: Bucatini topped with either veggie or non veggie Putanesca sauce!

Cellarbility: Will trundle though 2023 but really no purpose beyond that.

Price: $22.95 (Ontario).

RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 89/100. Sean Sullivan Wine Enthusiast 89.

(Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah Columbia Valley 2019, Chateau Ste. Michelle Paterson, Washington, 750 mL, 13.5%, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 949651).