Chateau Ste Michelle has pumped up this Merlot by adding Syrah (15%) to the blend thereby creating a plumy ripe wine. Still the black fruit doesn’t obliterate the engaging subtle leafy funkiness characteristic of real Merlot. The overall impression is a lovely combination of deep dark fruit with hints of earth. The polished tannins and overall ripeness means you can pull the cork tonight to accompany a steak.
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley (Washington) Merlot 2011
By Michael Apstein