Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot Review

Smooth and silky too...

90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington. Aged for 16 months in half new and half neutral oak barrels.

The Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot has an SRP of $26. It is available for as low as $20 (Saturday Splurge). Sample submitted for review.

From the winery:

Poised above the Columbia River on a south-facing slope, this vineyard is distinctive for its blustery, dramatic views. Following two cool vintages, 2012 was finally warmer with Mother Nature on our side. Bloom, veraison and harvest aligned perfectly producing a Merlot of elegance and pure fruit expression.

14.5% Alcohol

Here at Reverse Wine Snob we continue to be impressed with wines from the Columbia Valley in Washington, which accounts for 99% of the state's wine production. And within this large region one of the areas that stands out the most is the Horse Heaven Hills AVA.

We've gone back to this area again and again for varieties like Cabernet, Chardonnay and even red blends. Today we check out what many see (including us) as Washington's signature variety, Merlot, from one of its premier subregions, the Horse Heaven Hills.

The 2012 Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot is a bit oaky when first opened but that dissipates nicely with some time in the glass. Taking a sniff shows excellent aromas of black cherry, spice, floral notes, licorice, herbs and even a bit of tobacco. The wine tastes even better than it smells with a smooth and silky mouthfeel and wonderful balance. All those varied aromas from the nose continue to develop and combine with delicious dark berry fruit. Oak influences also add to the complexity. The wine ends dry, grippy and dusty with fantastic length.

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.