Country: US / Cold Creek Vineyard
Variety: Merlot Washington
Winery: Chateau Ste. Michelle / Columbia Valley (WA)
This vineyard-designated wine includes 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Syrah. The Syrah component seems to take over, in the form of tart berry, herb and dried leaf flavors. The alcohol, which is 15.5%, mutes any other complexities. It’s a nice wine, but it doesn’t offer standard Washington Merlot flavors.