2006 Cold Creek Merlot (Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine / Single Vineyard) -- Chateau Ste. Michelle Shopping Cart -- Merlot Creek Cold 2006

<h1>2006 Cold Creek Merlot -- Chateau Ste. Michelle Shopping Cart</h1> $30.00 -- 90 pts Wine Spectatorloaded with dark fruit flavors with hints of bittersweet chocolate. <img src="https://www.nexternal.com/csm/images/cc_merlot.gif" align="right" alt="2006 Cold Creek Merlot" name="2006 Cold Creek Merlot" border="0" hspace="10" /> TASTING NOTES “Cold Creek’s 30-year-old vines deliver a big, bold Merlot. This Merlot is loaded with dark fruit flavors with hints of bittersweet chocolate. We added 22% Cold Creek Cabernet to soften the tannins and contribute mouthfeel and layers of complexity.”- Bob Bertheau, Winemaker <ul> VINTAGE<li>2006 was a year of extremes in weather.</li> <li>A cooler than normal, wet spring was followed by a very long, hot summer.</li> <li>The weather was nearly ideal during the growing season. Summer fell into a consistent pattern of dry, warm days and cool nights.</li> <li>Harvest began early, with some white grapes being picked in late August.</li> <li>A cool spell in mid-September slowed things down and allowed more hang time for enhanced flavor development.</li> </ul> <ul> VINEYARDS<li> Planted in the early 1970s, Cold Creek Vineyard is one of Washington’s oldest and most acclaimed vineyards.</li> <li>Located 38 miles east of Yakima, Washington; south of the Columbia River and Wahluke Slope.</li> <li>Cold Creek Vineyard enjoys one of the longest and warmest growing seasons in the Columbia Valley.</li> <li>Low yielding old vines produce small clusters and small berries, resulting in intense varietal flavors and deep color.</li> <li>The site’s silty loam soil and the area’s low annual rainfall force the vines to struggle, producing fruit with concentrated flavors and aromas.</li> </ul> <ul> WINEMAKING<li>Winemaker Bob Bertheau’s goal is to produce a softer mouthfeel and enhanced complexity in the red wines, while highlighting the power and concentration of Cold Creek fruit.</li> <li>Ripe grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Aged in French and American oak for 18 months.</li> </ul> <ul> TECHNICAL DATA<li>Alcohol: 14.6%</li> <li>Total Acidity: 0.55g /100ml</li> <li>pH:  3.7</li> <li>Blend: 78% Cold Creek Merlot, 22% Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon</li> </ul> <ul> FOOD PAIRINGS<li>Foods: lamb, pasta, beef, fowl</li> <li>Herbs: basil, oregano, rosemary</li> </ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"> </ul> Other products in the category <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Category10" title="Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine">Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine</a> / <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Category50" title="Single Vineyard">Single Vineyard</a>: <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product613" title="2008 Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon">2008 Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon</a> -- 93 pts - Wine Enthusiast This is a dense wine with great aging potential. Columbia Valley</li></ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product625" title="2009 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon">2009 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon</a> -- The wine shows varietal black olive notes with ripe cherry flavors and soft tannins. Horse Heaven Hills</li></ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product475" title="2008 Cold Creek Chardonnay">2008 Cold Creek Chardonnay</a> -- 90 pts - The Wine Advocate Our biggest Chardonnay with weight and body, but also balanced with a restrained finish. Columbia Valley</li></ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product593" title="2009 Cold Creek Chardonnay">2009 Cold Creek Chardonnay</a> -- This Chardonnay exhibits rich, ripe fruit with notes of roasted hazelnuts. Columbia Valley</li></ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product514" title="2008 Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay">2008 Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay</a> -- 90 pts - Wine Spectator Delivers fresh apple, pear and spice aromas and flavors. The finish is graceful with light spice notes, which are a result of the restrained French oak treatment. Horse Heaven Hills</li></ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product498" title="2006 Cold Creek Merlot - Double Magnum">2006 Cold Creek Merlot - Double Magnum</a> -- 90 points Wine Spectator Large Format 3 L - Limited Time Offer Columbia Valley</li></ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product515" title="2007 Cold Creek Merlot">2007 Cold Creek Merlot</a> -- 90 pts - Wine Spectator loaded with dark fruit flavors and hints of dark chocolate. Columbia Valley</li></ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product553" title="2008 Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot">2008 Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot</a> -- 91 pts - Wine Spectator A complex Merlot with black cherry fruit character with refined tannins. Horse Heaven Hills</li></ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product538" title="2008 Cold Creek Cabernet Franc - Limited Release">2008 Cold Creek Cabernet Franc - Limited Release</a> -- An unexpected treat from the cool 2008 vintage was exceptional Cabernet Franc. Columbia Valley</li></ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product628" title="2009 Cold Creek Cabernet Franc - Limited Release">2009 Cold Creek Cabernet Franc - Limited Release</a> -- This rich wine displays aromas and flavors of black currant with notes of clove and black licorice. Columbia Valley</li></ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product428" title="2006 Cold Creek Syrah">2006 Cold Creek Syrah</a> -- dark fruits and boysenberry jam are scented with leather in this dense, inky Syrah. Columbia Valley</li></ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product562" title="2010 Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc">2010 Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc</a> -- 90 points — Wine Advocate This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from our Horse Heaven Vineyard is a restrained, elegant and delicate Sauvignon Blanc as an expression of the cooler vinatge. Horse Heaven Hills</li></ul> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com/Product568" title="2010 Cold Creek Riesling">2010 Cold Creek Riesling</a> -- 93 points & Best Buy — Wine Enthusiast This Cold Creek Riesling offers ripe peach aromas with a refined elegance and a crisp finish. Columbia Valley</li></ul> <a href="http://store.ste-michelle.com" title="Chateau Ste. Michelle Products">Chateau Ste. Michelle Products</a> <a href="http://www.ste-michelle.com">Chateau Ste. Michelle</a> Chateau Ste. 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