Chateau Ste. Michelle is the oldest winery in Washington state. Founded in 1934, Chateau Ste. Michelle pioneered vinifera grape growing in Washington state and has been producing class European varietal wines under the Chateau Ste. Michelle label since 1967. The winery combines an ongoing dedication to research and innovation with a commitment to classic winemaking traditions to craft the highest quality wines from Washington across many price points. This dedication to excellence and commitment to quality have allowed Chateau Ste. Michelle a place among the preeminent wine producers of the world.’

Led by Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington wines have won international acclaim and the state now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s great wine-producing regions. Chateau Ste. Michelle itself has received a long list of awards including 22 “Wineries of The Year” honors (Wine & Spirits) and 18 “Top 100 Wines” designations (Wine Spectator).

VINEYARD – Columbia Valley vineyards lie in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains and receive just 6-8 inches of rainfall annually. Warm, sunny days and cool evenings create ideal conditions for aroma and flavor development in the ripening grapes. A northerly latitude gives the Columbia Valley nearly two more hours of sunlight during peak-growing season than California.

WINEMAKING – Ripe grapes were destemmed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity. Gentle pumpovers during fermentation were used to extract color and flavor and produce soft, supple tannins. Aged 18 months in French and American oak, 20% new.

“We craft this wine to be our complex yet approachable Merlot. The wine offers aromas of black cherry, leather and spice with layers of rich dark red fruit flavors and a long, smooth, sweet finish. A touch of Syrah adds a jammy fruit character. I think of this wine as a great “everyday red.” – Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker

Wine Enthusiast – 88 points

Fragrant aromas of fresh herb, flower, raspberry, cocoa and wood spice are followed by orange peel, raspberry and spice flavors. A firm sense of tannic structure backs it up.