Expect black currant, dark cherry, cedar, refined oak spice, and a touch of dried herb with full body and structured tannins. The 2011 Washington vintage was cool and produced more restrained wines than typical. At 14 years from vintage, the wine should be drinking well.
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend (typically with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot)
- Region
- USA / Washington / Columbia Valley / Red Mountain
- Body
- Full
- Style
- dry red, structured, oak-aged, age-worthy
The producer
Col Solare is a partnership between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Marchesi Antinori (the Tuscan producer), founded in 1995. The estate sits on Red Mountain, Washington's warmest and most acclaimed AVA. The wine bridges Italian winemaking sensibility with Washington fruit.
What critics say
Col Solare receives consistently strong reviews as a benchmark Red Mountain Bordeaux blend.
Pairing
Grilled ribeye, herb-crusted rack of lamb, lamb shank