2012 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells

Wine: 2012 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells
Estate: Chateau Ste. Michelle
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington State

Location: Drank at home on 2/10/2016

Tasting Note:
Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the oldest wine estates out of Washington State. One venture that Chateau Ste. Michelle is known for is forming winery partnerships, such as with the Piero Antinori from Tuscany with the Col Solare Estate and with Ernst Loosen from Mosel with Eroica. Additionally, they are specifically known for two things. 1. Riesling and 2. several vineyards in Eastern Washington. The Eastern Washington vineyards include Canoe Ridge, Indian Wells and Cold Creek. 

This specific bottling contains 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. These grapes came from all three of the Eastern Washington vineyards, 67% from Indian Wells vineyard, 26% from Cold Creek vineyard and 7% from the Canoe Ridge Estate. Aged in 51% new American and French oak for 16 months. The winemaker is Bob Bertheau.

Wine was light violet with a deep core. Lovely nose with quite a few different notes. Slightly savory, broken tree branches and blackberry notes. Solid acidity (6/10) and light tannins (4.5/10). Acidity gives the medium body a little bit of a bite or spiciness. Lots of darker fruits notes like blackberries and black cherries. Moderate finish that lingers for around 5 to 6 seconds. Slightly vegetal and earthy in the finish with some green peppers and dry slate rock. Drink till 2019.

Rating: 88

Price: $ - $16.95 from Total Wine & More.

2006 Tait Wines Basket Pressed Shiraz

Wine: 2006 Tait Wines Basket Pressed Shiraz

Estate: Tait Wines

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia

Winemaker: Bruno Tait

Elevage: 15 months in 20% new French oak and 80% 1-2 year old toasted American oak.

Varietals: 100% Shiraz

Decant: 45 minutes.

Location: At home on 1/17/2016

Tasting Note:

Absolutely delicious, we need to start finding some more boutique Aussie wines, especially some basket pressed ones. Basket pressing is a more traditional way of extracting juice from crushed grapes, pressure must be controlled in order to not release unwanted tannins.
Ruby red with garnet edges. Nose was very intense, you could smell the vanilla and coconut three inches away from the glass. Some slight caramel and some slightly savory undertones with a little smokiness. Low tannins (4.5/10) with a thick, rich and silky body. Classis Aussie Shiraz on the palate. Thick and filled with caramel throughout. Heavily extracted with a long plush finish. Low tannins makes be not so sure about longevity but the body and the finish are stunning. Lots of dark fruits and solid acidity. Very well balanced. The acidity might help this hold out over the low tannins. Excellent wine and will head out to grab a bottle of the Ball Buster this year! 800 cases produced.

Dates: Drink till 2022.
Rating: 93
Price: $$ - Purchased for $35.69 but goes for $50.00 from the estate if you live in Australia. One wine of their's is available in the area. Ball Buster for $19.99 at Total Wine.