Reserve wines

Price $30

A brilliant success, with concentrated, multi-layered flavors that let the crisp, structured fruit stand out against the tastefully used new French oak. This is as good as Washington chardonnay gets, and clearly deserves its reserve status. — P.G. (4/1/2005)

92

points

Chateau Ste. Michelle 1999 Reserve Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $37

Just 1,800 cases of this powerful, profound wine are made, from the same three vineyards that go into the winery’s vineyard designates: Cold Creek, Canoe Ridge and Indian Wells. Thick, rich fruit is set off with substantial, chocolatey tannins. Still a bit restrained, but give it a few hours and interesting notes of black tea, smoke, leaf and leather emerge. Cellar… — P.G. (9/1/2002)

91

points

Chateau Ste. Michelle 1998 Reserve Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $37

Scented with an intriguing mix of herbs and chocolatey spices, this wine is a deep, dark version of Washington Merlot from Chateau Ste. Michelle’s best vineyards. The fruit is solid cherry; there’s lots of toasty oak, and the big tannins are smoothed out so that they find the proper balance. There’s plenty of acid to keep the wine lively, and all it needs at this… — W.E. (10/1/2001)

90

points

Chateau Ste. Michelle 1999 Reserve Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $31

The Chateau’s reserve is not their best Chardonnay (that honor belongs to the Cold Creek) but it’s their most accessible, made in a powerful, lush style with softer fruit and more obvious new oak. Fleshy, full-bodied and showing lively spice, it’s a drink-me-now pleasure. — P.G. (7/1/2002)

90

points

Chateau Ste. Michelle 1998 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $33

The Chateau’s reserve is held an extra five months in barrel, and represents a selection of the winery’s top 1 percent of Cabernet. It’s a big, thick, juicy effort loaded with ripe, lip-smacking berry and cassis fruit. Firm acids and a sheath of spice—anise, fennel, tobacco and coffee—complete the picture. — P.G. (6/1/2002)

90

points

Chateau Ste. Michelle 1999 Reserve Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $29

This has a beautiful nose, with pepper, light balsamic and green tea scents. The tannins are also tea-like, and the compact fruit mixes red and black flavors. Smoky, tannic and tight, with strong herb, tea and tobacco flavors. Just 1,800 cases available. —P.G. — P.G. (9/1/2002)

90

points

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2000 Reserve Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $29

A pretty wine, scented with orange and chocolate. Very smooth and elegant, it isn’t bogged down with massive fruit or too much alcohol. It’s stylish in the French way, yet still powerful with layers of flavors that unwrap like Christmas packages. Superior winemaking. Only 2,000 cases made. — P.G. (12/31/2003)

90

points

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2000 Reserve Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $37

A selection of the best lots of Merlot from Cold Creek, Horse Heaven, Canoe Ridge and Indian Wells. The 2000 lacks the profound depth of the ’99, but it is still a very classy wine, with a mix of red and blue fruits, defining acids and smooth tannins. The oak barrels add well-integrated notes of black tea, smoke and spice. — P.G. (12/31/2003)

Reserve

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2002 Reserve Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

Chateau Ste. Michelle 1999 Reserve Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Chateau Ste. Michelle 1998 Reserve Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Chateau Ste. Michelle 1999 Reserve Chardonnay (Columbia Valley (WA))

Chateau Ste. Michelle 1998 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Chateau Ste. Michelle 1999 Reserve Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2000 Reserve Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2000 Reserve Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

Most Reviewed Varietals

2009 Monte Pinadillo Ciranza