Chateau Ste Michelle has the uncanny ability to consistently turn out character-filled wines at excellent prices. This Syrah delivers a bit of both sides of that grape — gamey smokey flavors intertwined with plumy ones. Polished tannins mean no astringency so it’s ideal for current consumption with a hearty beef or lamb dish. It delivers far more than the price suggests.
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley (Washington) Syrah 2011
By Michael Apstein