Chateau St. Michelle had a good day last Wednesday. Two of their wines scored big, with the Indian Wells Chardonnay receiving 90 points from Wine Spectator and the Cabernet getting 91 points in the new issue of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate! We tried them both over the weekend and ordered a bunch on Monday....

Chateau St. Michelle
Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Indian Wells Vineyard $18
We Bought a Bunch $15.99
What the Wine Critics Thought: Wine Advocate 91 Points
Candied blackberries, waxy dark cherries, spices, tar, and licorice make up the mouth-watering aromatics. This outstanding wine is sultry, decadent, and intense. Its suave personality slathers the palate with lush, broad waves of black fruits and tar. It may not be complex but boy what pleasure it delivers! Drink this terrific value over the next 5 years.

What we thought: Aromas of cassis lead to a rich, medium-bodied palate of ripe blackberry fruit accented with hints of dark chocolate, supported by ultra-supple tannins that make this Cab extremely approachable now. This excellent value should be a solid drinker for the next 3 to 6 years.

May 3, 2006