Col Solare 2016 - Chateau Ste. Michelle

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

In the glass, this wine shines in a deep dark purple with dark red highlights. The expressive bouquet pampers the nose with a dense, dark fruit fullness - black cherry, blueberries, blackcurrants and blackberries - and spicy-flowered notes of sandalwood, lavender, incense and a hint of pepper. 

On the palate, this American red wine captivates with a full-bodied, lush body, very good structure, vibrant dark fruit (especially blueberries and blackcurrant) and fine spice notes. The velvety soft, dense tannins give this red wine its silky texture. The finale is harmoniously balanced and convinces with a long, aromatic reverberation. 

Vinification of Chatau Ste. Michelle Col Solare

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

Food recommendation for the Col Solare Ste. Michelle

dry red wine from the USA is an outstanding accompaniment to strong game dishes in wild berry sauce, beef stew in dark sauce or to sausage, ham and matured hard cheeses. We recommend decanting this wine at least one hour before enjoyment. 

Col Solare Wine Spectator Awards

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