Chateau Ste. Michelle 2013 Cold Creek Vineyard Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Country: US / Cold Creek Vineyard
Variety: Merlot Washington
Winery: Chateau Ste. Michelle / Columbia Valley (WA)

Baking spice and vanilla aromas are at the fore, followed by blue fruit and barrel spices. The barrel influence (71% new French and American) leads on the palate as well, with abundant vanilla flavors that wash over the fruit. There’s some good fruit underneath, if you can get to it.