Merlot

Perfect accompaniment to beef, lamb and beef.

Chateau Ste. Michelle is the oldest winery in Washington state. Founded in 1934, Chateau Ste. Michelle pioneered vinifera grape growing in Washington state and has been producing class European varietal wines under the Chateau Ste. Michelle label since 1967. The winery combines an ongoing dedication to research and innovation with a commitment to classic winemaking traditions to craft the highest quality wines from Washington across many price points. This dedication to excellence and commitment to quality have allowed Chateau Ste. Michelle a place among the preeminent wine producers of the world.’

Columbia Valley vineyards lie in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains and receive just 6-8 inches of rainfall annually. Warm, sunny days and cool evenings create ideal conditions for aroma and flavor development in the ripening grapes. A northerly latitude gives the Columbia Valley nearly two more hours of sunlight during peak-growing season than California.

Aged 18 months in French and American oak, 20% new.

Ripe grapes were destemmed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity. Gentle pump-overs during fermentation were used to extract color and flavor and produce soft, supple tannins.