Chateau Ste. Michelle 2012 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $15
Best Buy! The Wahluke Slope might be the sweet spot for Syrah in Washington state, and that’s where Ray McKee and his red wine team made the draw for most of this lot, which includes 1% Viognier. They aged it 18 months in 69% neutral oak, yet there’s still an abundance of vanilla and roasted coffee in front of blackberry, dark plum, blueberry, mint and leather. It’s more fruit-forward on the palate with more blackberry, black cherry and boysenberry, backed by plum skin tannins, more vanilla and espresso grounds. Suggested pairings include grill salmon, herb-rubbed roasts and pungent cheeses.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 27,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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