Reviews & Ratings

2006 Chateau Ste Michelle Merlot "Cold Creek"

Winery: Chateau Ste Michelle

Vintage: 2006

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Cold Creek"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 78% Merlot & 22% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Columbia Valley

State or country: WA

Price: $27

Cases produced: 1,700

KWG Score: 89.4 (based on 5 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89)

Review date: August 27, 2010

Wine Review: This very dark ruby colored Merlot has a lot of characteristics that you would find in a Zin. Hence it will appeal to fans of fruit forward Merlot and Zin fans. It opens with a fragrant blackberry and black currant bouquet with a bit of oak in the background. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied and slightly acidic. Yet it has a soft and round mouthfeel that you expect in a Merlot. The flavor profile is a spicy black raspberry with plenty of integrated black pepper and some oak. The finish is quite dry and its tannins stick around for a little while. The panel suggested serving this wine with barbecue steak tips. Enjoy – KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: Cold Creek's 30-year-old vines deliver a big, bold Merlot. This Merlot is loaded with dark fruit flavors with hints of bittersweet chocolate. We added 22% Cold Creek Cabernet to soften the tannins and contribute layers of complexity.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Chateau Ste Michelle 2006 Cold Creek Merlot.