Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Washington State

I've tried their Chardonnay, Riesling and Merlot, so to round out the Chateau Ste. Michelle line, I finally got to try their Cabernet Sauvignon. My buddy Mark found this older vintage in his local wine shop, Douglaston Wine & Spirits in Little Neck, NY, at first buying a single bottle, then going back the same day to purchase a half case.

Opaque dark ruby colors with rusty brick around the rim of the glass. On the nose, this cab went wild, with candy, cranberry sauce, and even saltwater combining for a rich gamut of aromas. On the palate, I'd call it a fruit bomb, on the sweeter side of dry with healthy but rounded tannins, and a marked smoothness. Complex flavors showing blackberry and strawberry fruits, anise, tobacco and some lively smokiness. Excellent balance of nose & palate, tied together smartly in a package for under $15, although this might pass for a $40-50 bottle. This is a great value in my book.