For thoughts on Chateau Ste Michelle’s uniqueness and recent evolution, consult my extensive April, 2013 text designed to introduce recent tasting notes. Sandalwood, vanilla, nutmeg, tobacco and ripe dark berries make for an alluring aromatic display in Ste Michelle’s 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard and inform a broad, satiny palate with carob and dark chocolate undertones. Like other of the best 2008s – and in keeping with others from Ste Michelle, this retains delightful freshness of berry juiciness and introduces a saliva-inducing salinity to its sustained finish such as you’ll find too seldom in a big-bodied North American Cabernet, much less one at this price. Plan to enjoy this outstanding value over the nest 6-8 years. Tel. (425) 488-1133

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard spent 21 months in 82% new French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it is a brooding offering that reluctantly gives up notes of Asian spices, incense, cedar, leather, black currant, and blackberry. This sets the stage for a dense, layered, and structured wine with 3-4 years of aging potential. Drink this classy effort from 2014 to 2023. Chateau Ste. Michelle's portfolio remains strong.www.ste-michelle.com

Year in and year out, the Cold Creek Vineyard sources perhaps the most ageworthy, perfectly structured Cabernet in the entire Ste. Michelle portfolio. In 2008 the alcohol hits 15%, yet the tight, dense, cassis-laden body of the wine is intact, with an appropriate hint of herb. The length and balance once again suggest a wine that has decades of life ahead.——P.G.(12/15/2011)—— 93