2006 Malbec -- Chateau Ste. Michelle Shopping Cart
$25.00
-- fruit flavors give way to a caramel and blueberry finish.
TASTING NOTES
“While Malbec is known as a classic Bordeaux blending varietal, we chose to showcase it in this special bottling. Sweet vanilla, spice and cream grace the nose, while red fruit flavors give way to a caramel and blueberry finish. You can see what it might add to a Meritage blend, but is certainly interesting to see it on its own as well.” - Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker
VINTAGE- 2006 was a year of extremes in weather.
- A cooler than normal, wet spring was followed by a very long, hot summer.
- The weather was nearly ideal during the growing season. Summer fell into a consistent pattern of dry weather, warm days and cool nights.
- Harvest began early, with some white grapes being picked in
late August.
- A cool spell in mid-September slowed things down and allowed more hang time for enhanced flavor development.
VINEYARDS- 100% of the fruit was sourced from the Wahluke Slope, a warm region
known for ripe, jammy reds. This gives the wine the backbone and fruit
driven qualities.
- Our most northern growing area, the Wahluke Slope is bordered on both the west and the south by the Columbia River.
WINEMAKING- Ripe grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity.
- Daily gentle pumpovers were used to extract optimal flavor and color and minimize harsh tannins. The pumpovers can vary by block, tank
and day of fermentation. Every ferment is tasted every day to evaluate the evolution of the tannins, modify extraction techniques and find the
right moment to drain the wine off of its skins.
- Aged for 15 months in French oak, 53% new.
TECHNICAL DATA- Alcohol: 14.6%
- Total Acidity: 0.51g /100ml
- pH: 3.78
- Blend: 98% Malbec, 2% Merlot
Other products in the category Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine / Columbia Valley:
-
2006 Ethos Merlot --
91 pts Wine Advocate
delivers sweet raspberry and bright black cherry fruit character with elegant, dusty tannins.
-
2008 Muscat Canelli -- a fan favorite in our winery’s retail shop, this wine makes a refreshing aperitif.
-
2008 Viognier -- offers a crisp citrus and ginger finish with just the right amount of body.
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