Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot Indian Wells

Description

”TASTING NOTES The Indian Wells Merlot offers ripe berry fruit aromas and jammy flavors typical of Wahluke Slope reds. This is a full bodied style of warm climate Merlot with a round, supple finish. We added Wahluke Slope Syrah to enhance the mouthfeel and rich fruit character. I call this my pasta Bob Bertheau, WinemakerVINTAGE 2012 was a return to the classic Washington vintage and a much welcomed change from the cooler 2010 and 2011 vintages. Bud break started slightly earlier than normal but cooler temperatures through the early summer delayed veraison slightly. A warming trend began in late July and dry conditions through mid-October were ideal for fruit ripening.VINEYARDS This Merlot is sourced predominately from vineyards throughout the Wahluke Slope in Eastern Washington, including our Indian Wells Vineyard. Our most northern growing area, the Wahluke Slope is bordered on both the west and the south by the Columbia River. The region is a consistent producer of high quality, ripe fruit, yielding wine with intense color and flavor.WINEMAKING Grapes were destemmed and sorted using cutting edge technology to gently handle fruit and remove any green material, allowing for more pure, concentrated fruit expression. Gentle pumpovers were used to extract optimal flavor and color and minimize harsh tannins. Aged in 37% new American oak, 17% new French oak, and 46% neutral oak barrels.FOOD PAIRINGS Foodshearty pastas, Herbs flank steak salad Basil, oregano.”- Chateau Ste. Michelle