In the 14December2024 Liquor Control Board of Ontario’s Vintages Release catalogue in the California red wine section there are 8 wines listed and 5 are Cabernet Sauvignon. Ontario has been “taught” (is that the correct word?) to worship Cali Cabernet Sauvignon. Grabbing a bottle of reasonably priced California Sauvignon in the $25 CDN range can be a bit disappointing. There is a good supply at that price point but quality is a matter of hit and miss.
There is always Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon and Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is reasonably priced at $20 CDN and is consistently good.
Aged 24 months 20% in new oak, 46% neutral oak and 34% stainless steel. 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Syrah, 5% Malbec and 7% other red grapes.
Aroma: Suggests density. Loaded with black fruit particularly blackberry, black cherry and there is some dark chocolate too.
Palate: A well-crafted full-bodied wine with well supressed acidity. A big mouthful of black fruit and a judicious and highly effective maturation in both French/American oak and stainless steel.
Personality: Amenable and inoffensive to all levels of palate i.e. easy to get along with.
Cellarbility: Happy to hang around a bit but not beyond 2026.
Food Match: Roast lamb with sage potatoes.
Price: $20 CDN. $17 USD.
RKS 2025 Wine Rating: 87/100.
(Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2021, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Paterson, Washington, 750 mL, 13.5%).
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