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2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot
Vineyard: Chateau Ste. Michelle
Price: $10.99- $75.00
Retail Price:
Varietal: Merlot, Syrah
Style: Red Wine
WINEMAKER'S NOTE
Ripe grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity. 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 daily to evaluate the evolution of the tannins, modify extraction techniques and find the right moment to drain the wine off of its skins. Aged in American and French oak for 16 months. Frequent aerative racking read more...Ripe grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with various strains of yeast to maximize complexity. 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 daily to evaluate the evolution of the tannins, modify extraction techniques and find the right moment to drain the wine off of its skins. Aged in American and French oak for 16 months. Frequent aerative racking took place during barrel aging to soften tannins and enhance mouthfeel. (hide)
Expert Reviews
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  • Wine & Spirits
    Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine on 08/09. Succulent red plum flavors balance this wine's scents of violets and a cool evergreen note. There's plenty of rich flavor and a seductive, chewy texture, all held with poise by clean graphite tannins. For a charred steak.
  • Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
    "Rating: 84/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine ( ) in the September 2010 issue. Muted in ripe-ness and milder in manner
User Tasting Note
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  • willbryner
    1/19/10 with black bean cakes.<br/>Jammy blackberry with hint of vanilla. Fairly tannic needs food b
  • harris
    May have had at Crave with Terry & Barry
  • Fellow Drync'r
    birthday