2012 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(from a 1973 planting at a density of just 700 plants per acre, which produce barely three tons per acre in a good year; 77% new American and French oak): Dark ruby-red. Black cherry, licorice, dark chocolate and some sexy oaky high tones on the nose. Suave, oak-influenced flavors of blackcurrant, mocha, espresso and licorice are a bit medicinal in a positive way. Finishes with densely packed, fine-grained, horizontal tannins and surprising lift for a wine from this hot, precocious site. The silty, warm soils here typically yield rich, jammy fruit, according to McKee.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Also impressive, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard comes from vines planted in 1973 and a south-facing, warm site located in the Columbia Valley. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 21 months in 77% new French and American oak, it has outstanding notes of black raspberries, smoked meats, a hint of minerality and ground herbs. Medium to full-bodied, pure, elegant and nicely concentrated, it has a forward, delicious and balanced feel that makes it ideal for drinking over the coming 7-8 years.
Smoke, blackcurrant, clove and pepper. Dark chocolate. For a large volume wine, this is commercially relevant and satisfying, though the flavours are quite one dimensional. (RH)