2010 Chateau St Michelle, Columbia Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon

Recently I was at the wine store and noticed the Chateau St Michelle had a great sale on their wines and a rebate of $2 per bottle so I decided to purchase a mixed case and review these wines.  They are at a great price (anywhere from $9 to $13) with the Cab being $13 a bottle.  I have tried several Chateau St Michelle wines in the past and have been pleasantly surprised at how tasty they were so I figure why not try several more and just see how they hold up.  So the next several wine reviews will be Chateau St Michelle and we will see what Washington State has to offer and if they can compete with Napa/Sonoma/Russian River/Willamette (my favorite regions for wine).

2010 Chateau St Michelle, Columbia Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon  $13

I will be the first to tell you that I am very leery about an inexpensive Cabernet Sauvignon.  The ones I usually try that are in this price range could remove paint from a car as well as be used in the gas tank to run said car.  I know that sounds like I’m a wine snob but I’m really not.  I really like a good value and I have tried very expensive wines that I wouldn’t drink again for any amount of money!  That being said, when I first poured this cab, I noticed a deep, dark ruby color which is indicative of a cab, I know – you’re not surprised by this.  As for aromas, I picked up a slight cherry fragrance and that was about it.  The flavor offered more with a pleasant jammy-ness and some concentration of fruit flavors those being cherry, plum, and some oak.  Overall it isn’t a fantastic wine but what do you expect for $13.  As I said above, I have had some very expensive cabs that I haven’t enjoyed at all so this being drinkable is a plus especially considering the price.

I would give this a 2.5 out of 5 stars.  Probably wouldn’t purchase a case but would have a bottle or two around for my one glass per night deal.