1997 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
For thoughts on Chateau Ste Michelle’s uniqueness and recent evolution, consult my extensive April, 2013 text designed to introduce recent tasting notes. While the 2005 tasted alongside had already witnessed its best days, a Ste Michelle 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard delivered a complex and convincing amalgam of high-toned distilled berry and nut oil esters in the nose and a harmonious palate featuring black tea, leather, and the persistence of spirituous yet also still-juicy red berries. There is a mouthwatering saline savor to the sustained finish of this Cabernet ideal for enjoying now. (It did however take the second bottle to arrive at this note; the first displayed considerably less stamina or allure.) Tel. (425) 488-1133
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Bright, moderately saturated red. Fruit-driven aromas of black cherry, redcurrant, flowers and tarry, smoky oak. Fresh red cherry and red berry flavors nicely framed by bright acidity. Juicy and food-friendly. Finishes with very smooth tannins and subtle length. Much cleaner and more incisive than the leathery, gamey '97 Cold Creek Merlot.