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Chateau Ste. Michelle 2017 Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

2017 Columbia Valley Merlot

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2017 Merlot from the Columbia Valley, Washington, is a harmonious red wine that beautifully showcases the expressive character of the Merlot grape. This wine offers a medium body that is complemented by a delicate acidity, enhancing the fruit-forward nature of the Merlot varietal. The wine presents a lovely balance of fruit intensity and subtle tannins, creating a smooth and approachable profile that is versatile and delightful to savor.

Tasting notes:

The wine offers aromas of black cherry, leather, and spice with layers of rich dark red fruit flavors and a long, smooth, sweet finish. A touch of Syrah adds a jammy fruit character.

Flavor profile:

Acidity Mild

Low Pronounced

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Oak Oak 3

Low High

Spiciness Spiciness 1

Low High

Tannin Medium

Low Pronounced

Color Intensity Color Intensity 4

Low High

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Region:

Columbia Valley

Sheltered by the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, Columbia Valley is home to the majority of Washington's vineyards. Cool nights keep zippy acidity in the grapes, while long daylight hours give the fruit plenty of chance to ripen. This results in full-bodied Merlot, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and deeply concentrated Syrah. White wines are just as tantalizing, with toasty oak-touched Chardonnay and ripe stone fruit-flavored Riesling taking the spotlight. Sub-AVAs to look out for are Yakima Valley and Walla Walla. The Columbia Valley is one of the only appellations in the United States to occupy vineyards in two states, as it crosses the Oregon border in the southern part of the valley.

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