Wine & Spirits:  Rated as Exceptional examples of their type. "This shows the best aspects of the wonderful Washington '07s -- energy, elegant fruit, persistence -- adorned by a little bit of bottle age. It has taken on notes of carob, creosote and cedar, and it is those earthy, savory elements that give the wine tremendous complexity for the price. For a lean cut of meat, like a skirt steak."

Winery:  "We craft this wine to be our complex yet approachable Merlot. The wine offers aromas of black cherry, leather and spice with layers of rich dark red fruit and cola flavors. I think of this inviting wine as a great “everyday red.”"

Wired For Wine:   A great rating and an even better price.  Need we say more about this Chateau St. Michelle Merlot??  It was cool this morning, so that had us thinking about a nice red as the thermostat begins to fall.  Pour your first glasses of this energetic Merlot and enjoy them with bite-sized pieces of wild mushroom tart with peppered bacon.  Your taste buds will thank you.  The addictive complexity, notes of cedar, leather and spice, as well as rich dark red fruit in this tremendous Washington Merlot make it the ideal pairing with beef, lamb, hearty pastas, grilled salmon and more.  We love its earthy side with slightly charred rib lamb chops topped with a little basil pesto.   A choice off the beaten path, but so delectable with the gorgeous fruit in this Chateau St. Michelle is a Merlot and beet risotto.  If it's comfort you want, make it fresh pappardelle with a long-simmered bolognaise sauce.  Just heavenly. Open another bottle and divvy it up with an intensely rich and robust Swiss Prattigauer cheese.  You just might get a standing O!!

Size:  750ml, cork
Varietal:  89% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 3% Malbec
Alcohol:  13.5%
Ageing:   15 months in French and American oak, 31%new.
Region:   Columbia Valley, Washington