Sweet vanilla oak, red/black berry fruit nose. Medium-bodied in the mouth with the wood infusion serving to dry up the finish and suck the fruit from the mid palate. I usually like heavily wooded wines, but with this vintage I found the oak influence to be a detriment rather than a compliment. 2.5/5
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Medium bodied cab sporting red raspberry and cocoa on the nose with a silky mouthfeel and approachable notes of red cherry, raspberry and toasted vanilla. Balanced, not overly acidic or tannic, finishing with a lush texture. Really enjoyable and a great everyday wine.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted in-store from a bottle that has been open for an unknown length of time (probably several days as the shop had been closed for 3 days). Seemed delicious, but older than the 2018 vintage suggested.
Upon opening the fresh bottle, I found a similar profile, a nice cassis fruit, touch of liquorice on the nose as well, good mouthfeel and a lovely acidity that cut through the fat of the ribeye steak and sauce Diane that I had with it.
Edit: returing to this half-finished bottle after two days recorked and recellared at 12.5°C - far, far more cassis and seemingly younger. Presumably this opened up a lot with air, maybe it would improve with a bit more cellaring. The original glasses were poured first P'n'P to taste, then through an aerator gadget thing, which did improve it. Served in Reidel Winewings PN glass. Would recommend vigorous decanting or plenty of time to get air. I considered opening/decanting this at 10AM to drink with lunch at 1:30, but decided against it. Drinking it two and a half days later, and preferring it, I think I made the wrong choice!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
--Nice wine, but slightly too acidic for me to give it a higher score,... as of mid 2022. 86/100 --- As of 12/29/22: 89/100. I've had it twice recently and the acidity is now better balanced. Great value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasting of wines of Oregon, Washington State and Finger Lakes, hosted by Tim Syrad Wines, UK. This is 85% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, plus small amounts of other varieties. Dark cherry colour. The nose shows deep dark berry fruit, green pepper. The palate is dry, rich, blackcurrant, violets and generally very soft and well balanced. At its peak now. Very good.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Harsh and awkward, this really did nothing for me... until the 3rd day open, when it magically transformed into a very solid Cabernet with a nice smooth weave of currant and berry flavors, framed by a harmonious balance of tannins and acidity. This seems like it should be held a long time, and then thoroughly aerated before drinking. 4+10+16+7= 88
Notes of dark fruit and fairly smooth drinking. The finish is a bit dry for me. Good value for the price. Update: this wine benefitted from additional aging and is more mellow now.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Value 2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley ($10 at Costco). Mid-dark garnet; some viscosity (13.5 alc.); herbaceous, black fruit, cocoa, hyacinth, new world nose; mid-acids; mid-plus tannins; some depth; semi-long chewy finish. w/picnic fare, BBQ, large groups. 15-15.5 UC Davis scale, 88-89 other scales.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
The wine is clear, deep intensity and ruby in colour. The nose is clean, medium minus intensity with primary aromas of floral and red fruit. Hint rose with strawberry and red cherry. Hint of tomato leaf. Secondary aromas of oak with vanilla, lees and MLF with butter and cream and pastry. No tertiary. The wine is developing. The palate is dry, high acidity with medium tannins. Full body taste with medium intensity and all flavour characteristics present with addition of mint and hint of pepper on finish with is medium. The wine is good, can drink now and can age. The wine is out of balance though, looks and tastes like a cab sav but doesn’t have the intensity on the nose.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Chateau Ste. Michelle's 2018 Columbia Valley Cab is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 2% Merlot, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot, <1% Grenache and <1% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 12 months in 25% new French oak, 8% new American Oak and 67% neutral oak, it is a deep-to-opaque ruby wine that offers up-front cassis, dark plums, kirsch and baking spices on both the nose and palate. Medium-to-full-bodied, freshly acidic and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 13.5%), it wraps its flavors with silky tannins and a modicum of wood. Solid in the middle and medium in length on the back end, this represents good value by virtue of its attractive price, soft textures and overall drinkability. Even at this early stage it does not require extended aeration, as this bottle was uncorked and consumed over a two-hour period. Enjoy it any time over the next five years. Drink now-2027.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Bought a few after the WE #1 Best Buy rating, as many others did I’m sure. Overall it’s a solid bottle at a good price, and I mostly understand the high rating from WE — it’s the epitome of balance while also showing decent Cabernet varietal characteristics. It’s certainly not extraordinary in any way. But a nice quaff or basic food pairing and I’ll look forward to my other two bottles.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Consumed over 3 nights. Score reflects third night. More generous and interesting than I expected for a $10 wine. Will try another one for confirmation.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Bought this after getting review from Wine Enthusiast and they gave score of 91. Not sure how they got there. Not a bad wine and decent price at $11 but no near 91 from my perspective
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Just left me flat. Somehow this received the #1 spot in Wine Enthusiast’s Best Buy list, and I don’t get it. Never tried with food, but on its own it didn’t give much though the nose was initially promising.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I have two answers for this wine. Firstly it is just ok but has some presence of berry which is better than most at this price. Unripened plum flavors detract. Secondly for the price (sub $20) while it is light on tannin it is medium rich on acidity. Not bad for about $19. That said 87+
MT appreciation event. I brought the wine
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This hasn't changed since last tasting this in early August. Full bodied and accessible, lots of black currants, tar, smoke, herbs, and a touch of cola. Good balance. Tasty.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nose: Umami. Blackberry. Blueberry. Medium plus aroma intensity.
Palate: Vanilla. Blackberry. Black cherry. Toasted oak. High tannins. Medium acidity. Dry. Medium plus body. Medium plus body. Medium plus flavour intensity.
Finish: Dried fruits. Medium finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Pretty nose. Vanilla, black currant, Asian spice. Plumb, cranberry and pencil lead on the palate. Smooth tannins and a medium finish. Good value at $14.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Easy drinking Columbia Valley cab. Fruit forward notes of red plum and cherry along with streaks of vanilla cola and dried herbs. Plush mouthfeel and nice balance for a value red.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I found plenty to like here. This open knit and full bodied Cab unveils notes of black currants, tar, smoke, herbs, and a touch of cola. And there's enough acidity to balance out the oakiness. Nice.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
12/26/2023 - Kustjagr Likes this wine: 90 Points
One of my favorite wineries. A really good vintage. Definetly a crowd pleaser.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/26/2023 - JGabaOkanagan Likes this wine:
Soft flavour but enjoyable as a sipper
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/27/2023 - djsaunde Likes this wine: 87 Points
Black currant and plums, baking spice, dark roast coffee, vanilla. Very solid bottle for $14!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/25/2023 - DCMR Rep wrote:
22 resepsiyon
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/24/2023 - GR Wines wrote:
Second round refrigerated tasted ok
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/7/2023 - TPRH wrote:
Wowza
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/1/2023 - YackAttack213 wrote: 88 Points
88 Mar 2023 👃plummy 👅 lean, blackberry, vanilla, stems, wood tannin, chocolate, short finish. A nice daily sipper for <$20.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/3/2023 - ThompsonandFrench Does not like this wine: 75 Points
Not for me. The overriding taste has strong artificial sweetness - which has a long finish!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/1/2022 - Double-A Does not like this wine: 83 Points
Sweet vanilla oak, red/black berry fruit nose. Medium-bodied in the mouth with the wood infusion serving to dry up the finish and suck the fruit from the mid palate. I usually like heavily wooded wines, but with this vintage I found the oak influence to be a detriment rather than a compliment.
2.5/5
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/9/2022 - Trippstock Likes this wine: 85 Points
Soft mouth feel, no bite, linen aroma, hints of blackberries
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/5/2022 - ElJefeTX Likes this wine: 89 Points
Medium bodied cab sporting red raspberry and cocoa on the nose with a silky mouthfeel and approachable notes of red cherry, raspberry and toasted vanilla. Balanced, not overly acidic or tannic, finishing with a lush texture. Really enjoyable and a great everyday wine.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/26/2022 - mattmoy_2000 wrote:
Tasted in-store from a bottle that has been open for an unknown length of time (probably several days as the shop had been closed for 3 days). Seemed delicious, but older than the 2018 vintage suggested.
Upon opening the fresh bottle, I found a similar profile, a nice cassis fruit, touch of liquorice on the nose as well, good mouthfeel and a lovely acidity that cut through the fat of the ribeye steak and sauce Diane that I had with it.
Edit: returing to this half-finished bottle after two days recorked and recellared at 12.5°C - far, far more cassis and seemingly younger. Presumably this opened up a lot with air, maybe it would improve with a bit more cellaring. The original glasses were poured first P'n'P to taste, then through an aerator gadget thing, which did improve it. Served in Reidel Winewings PN glass. Would recommend vigorous decanting or plenty of time to get air. I considered opening/decanting this at 10AM to drink with lunch at 1:30, but decided against it. Drinking it two and a half days later, and preferring it, I think I made the wrong choice!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/11/2022 - SH Wu wrote: 84 Points
Forward ripe dark fruits with a handful of spice and a soft-ish tannic finish.
Did fine as a cab to drink with roast beef sliders. Looking at the sub $10 price after drinking, I can see why this can be very popular.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/19/2022 - Damon K Likes this wine:
Delicious $13 at Safeway
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/12/2022 - Turgalew wrote: 89 Points
--Nice wine, but slightly too acidic for me to give it a higher score,... as of mid 2022. 86/100
--- As of 12/29/22: 89/100. I've had it twice recently and the acidity is now better balanced. Great value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/1/2022 - Keith Cooper Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tasting of wines of Oregon, Washington State and Finger Lakes, hosted by Tim Syrad Wines, UK. This is 85% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, plus small amounts of other varieties. Dark cherry colour. The nose shows deep dark berry fruit, green pepper. The palate is dry, rich, blackcurrant, violets and generally very soft and well balanced. At its peak now. Very good.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/29/2022 - Bjb81 Likes this wine: 80 Points
Dark fruit, oak, subtle earth and dusty minerals. Smooth and very easy to drink.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/19/2022 - fingers wrote: 88 Points
Harsh and awkward, this really did nothing for me... until the 3rd day open, when it magically transformed into a very solid Cabernet with a nice smooth weave of currant and berry flavors, framed by a harmonious balance of tannins and acidity. This seems like it should be held a long time, and then thoroughly aerated before drinking. 4+10+16+7= 88
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
5/25/2022 - Wstinson9 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Notes of dark fruit and fairly smooth drinking. The finish is a bit dry for me. Good value for the price. Update: this wine benefitted from additional aging and is more mellow now.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/14/2022 - sdwineguru Likes this wine: 88 Points
Value 2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley ($10 at Costco). Mid-dark garnet; some viscosity (13.5 alc.); herbaceous, black fruit, cocoa, hyacinth, new world nose; mid-acids; mid-plus tannins; some depth; semi-long chewy finish. w/picnic fare, BBQ, large groups. 15-15.5 UC Davis scale, 88-89 other scales.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/10/2022 - Virescit Vulnere Virtus Likes this wine: 88 Points
Dark, cherry, dry finish, medium body.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/1/2022 - Dave124 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Everyday sipper. Constant quality.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/19/2022 - MargsVF Likes this wine: 86 Points
The wine is clear, deep intensity and ruby in colour. The nose is clean, medium minus intensity with primary aromas of floral and red fruit. Hint rose with strawberry and red cherry. Hint of tomato leaf. Secondary aromas of oak with vanilla, lees and MLF with butter and cream and pastry. No tertiary. The wine is developing. The palate is dry, high acidity with medium tannins. Full body taste with medium intensity and all flavour characteristics present with addition of mint and hint of pepper on finish with is medium. The wine is good, can drink now and can age. The wine is out of balance though, looks and tastes like a cab sav but doesn’t have the intensity on the nose.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/18/2022 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 88 Points
Chateau Ste. Michelle's 2018 Columbia Valley Cab is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 2% Merlot, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot, <1% Grenache and <1% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 12 months in 25% new French oak, 8% new American Oak and 67% neutral oak, it is a deep-to-opaque ruby wine that offers up-front cassis, dark plums, kirsch and baking spices on both the nose and palate. Medium-to-full-bodied, freshly acidic and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 13.5%), it wraps its flavors with silky tannins and a modicum of wood. Solid in the middle and medium in length on the back end, this represents good value by virtue of its attractive price, soft textures and overall drinkability. Even at this early stage it does not require extended aeration, as this bottle was uncorked and consumed over a two-hour period. Enjoy it any time over the next five years. Drink now-2027.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/13/2022 - Jzizzle Likes this wine: 88 Points
Pleasant drinking with nice berry fruit and good balance. Does not have a ton of depth or complexity; this seems ready to go for casual sipping.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
2/3/2022 - DoubleMagnum wrote: 88 Points
Definitely beats California at the price point.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/22/2022 - lwolffl wrote:
Smagt blindt
Øje: klar, mørk, bordeauxrød, lillaskær, let lyserød
Næse: sødlig, røde bær, solbær, jordbær, brombær, mørke kirsebær, landlig, let støvet, fad, vanilje, sød lakrids, røg, power, blomme
Mund: høj syre, medium tannin, bider i kinderne, ru forrest på tungen, røde frugter, mørk kirsebær, solbær, brombær, blommer, sød lakrids, holder i længe
Gættet på: cabernet sauvignon (og Merlot) Californien, 2016
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/16/2022 - Cosmo M. Likes this wine: 89 Points
Bought a few after the WE #1 Best Buy rating, as many others did I’m sure. Overall it’s a solid bottle at a good price, and I mostly understand the high rating from WE — it’s the epitome of balance while also showing decent Cabernet varietal characteristics. It’s certainly not extraordinary in any way. But a nice quaff or basic food pairing and I’ll look forward to my other two bottles.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/31/2021 - Dave Dewar wrote:
Good value for money ($22 CAD). High typicity for the varietal. Drink now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/31/2021 - shorty01 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consumed over 3 nights. Score reflects third night. More generous and interesting than I expected for a $10 wine.
Will try another one for confirmation.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/30/2021 - Sgtrock57 wrote: 96 Points
Very good
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/23/2021 - Rmhachtel wrote: 84 Points
Bought this after getting review from Wine Enthusiast and they gave score of 91. Not sure how they got there. Not a bad wine and decent price at $11 but no near 91 from my perspective
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/16/2021 - GaryF wrote: 84 Points
Just left me flat. Somehow this received the #1 spot in Wine Enthusiast’s Best Buy list, and I don’t get it. Never tried with food, but on its own it didn’t give much though the nose was initially promising.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/13/2021 - tomoem wrote: 87 Points
I have two answers for this wine. Firstly it is just ok but has some presence of berry which is better than most at this price. Unripened plum flavors detract. Secondly for the price (sub $20) while it is light on tannin it is medium rich on acidity. Not bad for about $19. That said 87+
MT appreciation event. I brought the wine
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/25/2021 - LEEJV123 wrote: 88 Points
Medium body, heavy American oak, round, short.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/25/2021 - Lord Marc Likes this wine: 89 Points
Overall great value for this price point if you like a medium to full bodied cab.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/16/2021 - Baron Slick wrote: 89 Points
This hasn't changed since last tasting this in early August. Full bodied and accessible, lots of black currants, tar, smoke, herbs, and a touch of cola. Good balance. Tasty.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/4/2021 - Muledog71 Likes this wine: 88 Points
If the oak(vanilla) was turned down just a bit it would have worked . It’s close though!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/30/2021 - Dominic Roy wrote: 87 Points
Nose: Umami. Blackberry. Blueberry. Medium plus aroma intensity.
Palate: Vanilla. Blackberry. Black cherry. Toasted oak. High tannins. Medium acidity. Dry. Medium plus body. Medium plus body. Medium plus flavour intensity.
Finish: Dried fruits. Medium finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/27/2021 - bluehorseshoe Likes this wine: 89 Points
Pretty nose. Vanilla, black currant, Asian spice. Plumb, cranberry and pencil lead on the palate. Smooth tannins and a medium finish. Good value at $14.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/4/2021 - ElJefeTX Likes this wine: 88 Points
Easy drinking Columbia Valley cab. Fruit forward notes of red plum and cherry along with streaks of vanilla cola and dried herbs. Plush mouthfeel and nice balance for a value red.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/11/2021 - Baron Slick wrote: 89 Points
I found plenty to like here. This open knit and full bodied Cab unveils notes of black currants, tar, smoke, herbs, and a touch of cola. And there's enough acidity to balance out the oakiness. Nice.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment