Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon rarely disappoints and pardon me beats the pants off California Cabernet Sauvignons at comparable price points. Can it elevate itself from consistently good to consistently excellent? Perhaps Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon might pave the way from consistently good to consistently excellent?
Aroma: Laser beams of blueberry careening around the nostrils along with blackberry and the vanillas imparted by American oak makes this somewhat typical eminently Washinton approachable.
Palate: Traverses down the hatch happily singing the blueberry and blackberry song. Judicious and skillful use of oak as far as an oaky Cabernet Sauvignon can be. California style without California price. Full bodied and powerful. With restrained tannins. Long finish.
Personality: Swinging a big Cabernet Sauvignon stick. Enjoy me for what I am; an American Cabernet Sauvignon not afraid of its oak. Perhaps not for everybody all the time but when you are in the mood for it then it hits the spot. With possible punishing Trump 25% tariffs looming for Canadian goods exported to the United States it may come to pass Canadians will be boycotting United States wines so I could be shut out from the Canadian marketplace for reasons of price and pride.
Food Match: Good old pot roast with gravy of course!
Cellarbility: Enough stuffing to cruise into 2029.
Price: $24.30 CDN.
RKS 2025 Wine Rating: 94/100. Natalie MacLean 92.
(Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Columbia Valley 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Ste Michelle, Paterson, Washington, 750 mL, 14.5%).
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