2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot ($18)

Built on the 1912 estate owned by Seattle lumber baron Frederick Stimson, the Chateau Ste. Michelle winery’s roots date back to the Repeal of Prohibition.

With more than 50 years of winemaking, Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the few premium wineries in the world with two state-of-the-art wineries, one for red and one for white. The whites are made at the Chateau in Woodinville, WA, while the reds are made at the Canoe Ridge Estate winery in Eastern Washington.

The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Indian Wells Vineyard, along with a variety of other warm-climate Washington vineyards that range from the Wahluke Slope to Cold Creek Vineyard.

The 2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot is produced from 89% Merlot, 10% Syrah, 1% Viognier. The grapes were de-stemmed and sorted. Gentle pump-overs were used to extract optimal flavor and color, and minimize harsh tannins. It was then aged for 18 months in 28% new American and 5% new French oak barrels.

This wine is medium-ruby in color with bright aromas of red and black fruits. On the palate it is a full-bodied, fruit-forward, wine with nice complexity, medium tannin and a lingering finish.

This 2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot is affordable and attainable, make it a great fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!