Chateau Ste Michelle

This superb value strikes first with a marine-themed nose of a salty ocean breeze, a driftwood beach fire, blackberries, olive oil and a trace of bacon fat. Smooth and viscous, with dark plum and bittersweet chocolate-covered cherries coating the palate.

This northwest cabernet blends fruit from across the Columbia Valley in eastern Washington including Cold Creek, Canoe Ridge Estate and Indian Wells vineyards all aged in 16 months in 31 percent new American and French oak. The blend is 83/9 cabernet sauvignon and merlot with minor amounts of syrah, malbec, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Look for an expressive style with peppery, black fruit aromas with similar cran-cherry fruit flavours. The finish is round and warm with dried herbs and smoky vanilla highlights. Try this with roast pork.