Chateau Ste. Michelle

Cold Creek Vineyard Merlot

8.845 ratings
8.73 pro ratings
Columbia Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Mark Salinas

Owner World and Wine Getaways

9.4

Some of the best Merlot I have tasted all come from Washington State. This is no exception. It is deep purple in the glass with a medium body. Some spice and a lingering finish. Excellent!

Some of the best Merlot I have tasted all come from Washington State. This is no exception. It is deep purple in the glass with a medium body. Some spice and a lingering finish. Excellent!

1 person found it helpfulDec 24th, 2015
Chris Morgan

Sommelier The Oceanaire Seafood Room

9.0

2001

2001

Jun 7th, 2017
Ming L
9.3

So satisfying and it’s only getting better. Probably the best Merlot I’ve drank in terms of QPR.
Prior notes apply.

So satisfying and it’s only getting better. Probably the best Merlot I’ve drank in terms of QPR.
Prior notes apply.

Apr 20th, 2024
Ming L
9.1

I’ve been impressed by the ageability of the winery’s inexpensive bottling, and this is no exception.
The nose is deep and welcoming, with blueberry pie, plum, licorice, dark chocolate, warm spice, and just touch of barnyard. The palate, while not complex, is warm and plush with balanced flavors. Silky tannins.
This will have the staying power for another 5-8 years. Can’t ask for more for a $15 bottle!

I’ve been impressed by the ageability of the winery’s inexpensive bottling, and this is no exception.
The nose is deep and welcoming, with blueberry pie, plum, licorice, dark chocolate, warm spice, and just touch of barnyard. The palate, while not complex, is warm and plush with balanced flavors. Silky tannins.
This will have the staying power for another 5-8 years. Can’t ask for more for a $15 bottle!

Aug 20th, 2023
Vasanth Balakrishnan

Delightfully unexpected savory aged #merlot from #columbiavalley . 8 years of bottle age uncorked reveal a decidedly meaty earthy wine that I would expect from Right Bank of Bordeaux. Cured meat, graphite, black pepper, muted purple fruit on the nose. Lighter acidity on palate entry, muted fruit, peppery spice and grippy tannins on the finish. Interesting boutique Cold Creek Vineyard Merlot from a big Washington producer.

Delightfully unexpected savory aged #merlot from #columbiavalley . 8 years of bottle age uncorked reveal a decidedly meaty earthy wine that I would expect from Right Bank of Bordeaux. Cured meat, graphite, black pepper, muted purple fruit on the nose. Lighter acidity on palate entry, muted fruit, peppery spice and grippy tannins on the finish. Interesting boutique Cold Creek Vineyard Merlot from a big Washington producer.

May 13th, 2023
Rachel Mulholland

The cork didn't age well. The color is deep. Very enjoyable wine. Pairs well with a charcuterie plate. Excellent. (decanter / aerate is a must).

The cork didn't age well. The color is deep. Very enjoyable wine. Pairs well with a charcuterie plate. Excellent. (decanter / aerate is a must).

Feb 14th, 2021
yan ho
8.8

with jon chris in ct, 8.18.2019

with jon chris in ct, 8.18.2019

Aug 18th, 2019
Tom Pilla

Hot! Smooth and carmelly. Bim bam boom.

Hot! Smooth and carmelly. Bim bam boom.

Jun 8th, 2019
Sten

Wish list 2015

Wish list 2015

Oct 29th, 2018
Daniel Porter

Still more tannins and acid than I expected for a vintage of this age.

Still more tannins and acid than I expected for a vintage of this age.

Aug 2nd, 2017