Style Heavy red New World Country USA (WA) Price $13
Vintage tasted 2006 Grapes Syrah, Mourvèdre, Viognier
Website www.ste-michelle.com

Overview Syrah is an impressively versatile grape: herbal and animal in southern France, massive and jammy under the alias “Shiraz” in Australia, it’s capable of remarkably different expressions depending on where and how it’s grown. Château Ste. Michelle walks a nice balance between fruit and elegance: it’s sleek and never jammy, but there’s still plenty of rich berry flavor for an American palate. Once again, Ste. Michelle has found the sweet spot that we’d love to see more American producers emulate.

Nose There’s rich blackberry and a not-unpleasant aroma one blind taster compared to sawdust.

Mouth Silky and rich, it has black fruit and a touch of vanilla.