Checking out an old standby from Washington State, we review the latest vintage of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend.
A red blend of 51% Syrah, 30% Merlot, 7% Malbec and 12% other varieties from warm site vineyards in Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills, Yakima Valley and Snipes Mountain in Washington State. The wine was aged for 18 months in 20% new American, 16% new French oak barrel and 64% neutral oak.
Sample submitted for review. The Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend has an SRP of $20 and is available for as low as $14 including at some Costco locations.
From the bottle:
Since 1967, the dedicated winemakers at Chateau Ste. Michelle have crafted some of the most spectacular wines in the world – notably though the meticulous approach to Indian Wells.
Specially selected and carefully aged, this premier red blend highlights warm-weather vineyards with a robust palette of boysenberry and biscotti.
Cellared & Bottled by Chateau Ste. Michelle
14.5% Alcohol
The Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend is one we’ve recommended many times over the years and the 2020 vintage carries on the tasty tradition. It begins with a pleasing, thick aroma full of ripe blackberry, spice and lots of vanilla and coffee.
Tasting the lush wine reveals lots of dusty blackberry fruit, mocha and spice. Oaky notes start to take over mid-palate but the rich, dark fruit is still quite evident and gets a bit more prominent after it has some time to breathe. You can also definitely taste the Syrah which figures prominently into the blend.
The dry, long finish features more dark fruit and spice, more vanilla and lots of lingering mocha and coffee notes.
This is a style of wine that I enjoy quite a bit but you might not find it as much to your liking if you don’t like oaky and somewhat tannic wines. Personally, I like this one even a bit better than the Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet probably thanks to the hefty dose (51%) of Syrah in this blend, a varietal that does fabulously in Washington State.
2020 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend
Looking for more of The Best Red Blends under $20? Click the photo below to see all of our recommended wines in this category.
You may also want to check out more of our favorite red blends here.
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