Year in and year out, Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Cold Creek Cabernet delivers impressive depth and complexity at an amazing price for this level of quality. The 2011 continues the tradition. The nose shows plump, ripe blackberry, black cherry and blackcurrant fruits backed by hints of herbs, cocoa, cedar, vanilla, clove and cinnamon. Plush and velvety on the palate, it offers layers of lusciously ripe — but not overripe — black fruits plus toasty oak, vanilla, cocoa and spice elements. It’s a beautiful combination of richness and refreshment that will age well for another decade.
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley (Washington) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
By Wayne Belding