The purple-colored 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard contains 10% Merlot and 3% Syrah and was aged for 21 months in 57% new French and American oak. It displays a bouquet of balsam wood, pepper, rosemary, violets, black currant, and blackberry. More structured than the Canoe Ridge cuvee, it has 3-4 years of aging potential. A bit of patience will be required. Chateau Ste. Michelle continues to produce large quantities of quality wine at exceptionally fair prices. www.ste-michelle.com

The Cabernet from Cold Creek is not only old vine, but in terms of tightness and definition, it suggests that it may be one of the most ageworthy wines of the vintage from Washington State. This new vintage blends in 10% Merlot and 3% Syrah, and the wine is detailed with iron filings, pepper, bark, and dried earth notes. The fruit is tight, tart, and racy—a suggestion of wild berry and spicy plum. ——P.G.(5/1/2011)—— 93