2016 Red Blend Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyards
The Indian Wells label produces some good Merlots. I enjoyed their ’15 Merlot with notes reading, “Their Indian Wells merlot will not disappoint the buyer.” Now, here I am with a one of their red blends for sampling, as well as with its unsaid question. This red wine was bottled from grapes from Washington State’s Woodinville area. The vintner globed nine red varietals together: Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Grenache, Cab-Franc, and a few lesser grapes. I found “9” was too many power-players; at first, the luscious aromas, smooth tasting and balance weren’t present. When the wine was poured at room temperatures, I found it really rough: tree bark, tobacco, and something akin to creek water. After corking the bottle, I placed it in the wine cooler bring it to 64°. That made a big difference! With this pour, the boysenberry, plum with dark licorice came to the front. It’s finish was big tannin, but smooth. The blend is drinkable without that “ahhhhhh” moment, and the Germans have just the word that fits this red blend, “das Nien”.
