Chateau Sainte Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Number 93 on the Wine.com 100 of 2007! Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot This is the second vintage of the Indian Wells Cabernet, and the wine showcases the characteristics of a warmer climate Cabernet. The wine opens with explosive fruit aromas. Flavors and aromas of jammy blackberry, smoke, warm toast and hints of vanilla mingle on the palate. -Bob Bertheau, Winemaker Food pairings: stuffed peppers, blue cheese, duck, beef, veal, dark chocolate

A mineral nose, highlighted with licorice and coffee. A bit of a medicinal taste, but a solid fruity cab otherwise. Not bad at all.

• Tags:
• Mineral
• licorice
• coffee
• medicinal

August 2008

Wine & Spirits rating: 90

Our goal with the Columbia Valley Cabernet is to highlight concentratedWashington red fruit in an accessible style. The 2004 Cab delivers aromasof blackberries and boysenberry preserves with vanilla and cedar notes.Rich black fruit flavors lead to seamless and friendly tannins and around, inviting midpalate. This is the everyday Cab with amazingcomplexity and style. It is incredibly versatile with food. Try it with beef, pork or pasta. - Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker

Plump and juicy, with plum and currant flavors up front, framed with fine-grained tannins and a touch of white pepper on the softly herbal finish.
"Deep dark ruby color with rich aromas of cedar and chocolate. Substantial, velvety tannins balance the black cherry, spicy-cinnamon, and lingering anise on the palate." Ron Bunnell, Winemaker

Still hot! Its 2004 so I was hoping the edge would fade by now. They claim its 13.7%, but there's a generous margin of error here... Still would benefit from standing or decanting to allow the ethanol to blow off.

Once you are past the heat, however, this is a very decent wine. Very fruity, rich with good structure to balance it. Overall I'd say the fruit is a bit overripe and comes over slightly medicinal, but its not too potent.

Still a good buy, and a good pairing with hearty dishes: steak, pies, curries etc.

• Tags:
• Hot
• Fruity
• Structure

October 2008

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine on 12/07

No written review

February 2009

Rating: 85/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 05/31/07

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine

No written review

December 2008

No written review

September 2008

No written review

July 2008

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by The Wine News

No written review

March 2008

No written review

March 2008

No written review

December 2007