Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Best Buy! Head red winemaker Ray McKee shines with this expansive and expressive Cab, a product of a tremendous vintage and his first trial with the new VitiSort optical sorter, which removes material other than the grape (MOG). The blend of Canoe Ridge Estate, Cold Creek and Indian Wells set the table to create aromas akin to Hostess blackberry pie, Hershey's with Almonds, cola nut, brown sugar and baking spices. A rich entry of black cherry, black currant and plum flavors comes with remarkable balance, length and a pinch of white pepper. It's a classic Washington Cab that McKee's boss - Bob Bertheau - enjoys with beef tenderloin or pasta. Score - Outstanding!. (Andy Perdue & Eric Degerman, greatnorthwestwine.com, Sept. 12, 2014)