Col Solare 2013 - Chateau Ste. Michelle

The Col Solare is a collaboration between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Piero Antinori, the red wine expert from Tuscany. This red wine is a very complex, expressive cuvée made from the Cabernet Sauvignon (88%), Cabernet Franc (6%), Merlot (4%) and Syrah (2%) grape varieties.

In the glass this wine shines in a deep dark purple red with dark red highlights. The expressive bouquet spoils the nose with a dense, dark fruity fullness - black cherry, blueberry, black currant and blackberry - and spicy floral notes of sandalwood, lavender, frankincense and a hint of pepper.

On the palate, this American red wine captivates with a full-bodied, opulent body, very good structure, lively dark fruit (especially blueberries and black currants) and fine spicy notes. The velvety, dense tannins give this red wine its silky texture. The finale is harmoniously balanced and convinces with a long, aromatic finish.

Vinification of Chatau Ste. Michelle Col Solare

The fully ripe grapes are carefully harvested by hand in the Washington State wine-growing region and immediately brought to the Col Solare winery. There the grapes are carefully destemmed and strictly selected. The selected berries are then gently ground and fermented on the mash for 7 to 12 days. The cap is regularly submerged. After completion of alcoholic fermentation, this wine matures for 21 months in new French (75%) and American (25%) oak barrels.

Food recommendation for the Col Solare Ste. Michelle

This dry red wine from the USA is an outstanding companion to strong game dishes in wild berry sauce, beef braised in dark sauce or also to sausage, ham specialities and matured hard cheeses. We recommend that you decant this wine at least one hour before drinking it.

Awards for the Col Solare

• Wine Spectator: 90 points for 2013
• Robert M. Parker - The Wine Advocate: 94 points for 2013