The Cabernets begin with the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Canoe Ridge Estate which contains a dollop of Merlot and Malbec and was aged for 22 months in French and American oak. A dense purple color, it puts out a nose of spice box, violets, incense, black currant, and blackberry. This leads to a medium to full-bodied, ripe, intense wine with enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years, very good balance, and a fruit-filled finish. Drink it from 2012 to 2022. Chateau Ste. Michelle continues to produce large quantities of quality wine at exceptionally fair prices.www.ste-michelle.com

This well-defined Cabernet offers blackberry, black cherry and a hint of sweet grape jam. It’s set in a frame of rock and tannin, that seems to catch and hold as it enters the back of the throat. Perhaps an indication that more bottle age, or some hours of decanting, are in order? In any event, it stops a bit short. ——P.G.(12/31/2010)—— 88