For thoughts on Chateau Ste Michelle’s uniqueness and recent evolution, consult my extensive April, 2013 text designed to introduce recent tasting notes. Peppery, smoky dark tobacco, and pungently green herbal notes tweak the nose from the glass of Ste Michelle’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard, then add interest to a predictably dark ripe berry-dominated, plush palate. There is faint heat (from just over 15% alcohol) and chew in the finish but also impressively persistent sweetness of fruit. “Cold Creek fruit can go from being not-yet-ready to being beyond ready within 72 hours,” notes Bertheau, who appears to have picked just in time here. I’d plan to enjoy this over the next 3-5 years. Tel. (425) 488-1133