Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot 2014

Greg Hughes rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Pay attention to Merlot from Washington. This is, kind of, the reverse situation that we all saw in Sideways (a movie about Californian viticulture that was openly disparaging of Merlot instead of varietals that were thought to grow more favourably). Washington has a strange effect on Merlot. The harsh conditions force tighter clusters and thicker skin. This makes for a more interesting wine. Their Merlot has a bit more structure, a little more spice, and typical Merlot colour and texture.
This Merlot has a dab of Syrah in it, supporting the deep garnet colouration. Glass coating.
Great aromatics of black forest cake, overripe cherry, raspberry, damson, cinnamon stick, coffee, and black olives.
The flavours are rich and velvety. More cherry kirsch and chocolate cake. Subtle spice replays. Some chocolatey oakiness, but it never overpowers the fruitiness.
Delicious and easy to appreciate. This would go great with barbecued beef or burgers. Try it alongside ginger beef, for something different.

Wineboy rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

My rating differs from Natalie's quite a bit here - bottle variation? 3 months more in bottle? or just personal taste - who knows. Lovely smooth fruit with a perfect balance of ample oak. I downgraded the score because I didn't exactly love the finish - something there that was not to my liking.

Andrew Bernardo rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Black and red berries, milk chocolate, and tobacco are the hallmarks of this approachable, suave Merlot. 89 Points. (www.ottawawinejournal.com)

Sylvain Segard reviewed this wine as follows:

This nearly opaque ruby red wine smells like you've just picked up a heaping bowl of black cherries with a spring of fresh peppermint on the side. It is extra dry and has a medium-full body. The wine has an easy to drink silky mouthfeel, and it is loaded with juicy black fruits spiced with some black pepper and leathery notes. The tannins are well-intergrated and carry the fruit flavours to a long tingly finish. A very well executed wine that will go very well with any red meats from a French cuisine (...but I just had some bittersweet chocolate with it just now and it work really well too!). Score 91. (S.Segard, reviewed Jan. 16, 2017.)

Emilie Ryan rated this wine as 84/100 with the following review:

A classic New World wine…
Presentation: Traditional, plain, old-style, clean
Appearance: Medium ruby
Nose: Cherry, smoky meatiness, green peppers
Taste: Dry, medium-high tannins, medium acidity, full bodied, with notes of leather, sour cherries, some earth
Finish: long leather and cherry finish
Overall impression: A very New World style wine, very fruit forward with noticeable alcohol and full body, but easy to drink
Value: 2/5

Monique Sosa rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Well-crafted and delicious! This Merlot is showcasing a great deal of Columbia Valley red wine surge potential. The nose shows moderate berry and floral notes, while the palate shows a bold and complex bouquet of berry, floral, leather, and baking spice notes. This Merlot is mellow (medium bodied) and approachable with a balance of mild tannins and moderate acidity. Enjoy with pulled pork tacos. Tasted July 2016. @sommsosa | bespoketastings.ca

Jennifer Havers rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Another wonderful Merlot from Washington State. This wine shows how ripeness, flavour and acidity can work together to display a well balanced wine. Aromas are mostly dark, ripe fruit, with a touch of a jammy or cooked fruit note, probably provided by the Syrah that has been added in. Fruit flavours are bold, but nice acidity keeps this wine from feeling too heavy or rich, and the interesting Washington climate keeps the fruit from being overly ripe, almost giving this wine a hint of restraint. Overall, very enjoyable! Enjoy with red meat or lamb.

Cherie Cole rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Another fantastic Merlot from Washington State. This one from Chateau Ste. Michelle exemplifies finesse and refinement. Derived from 100% vinifera rootstock, this wine is a true expression of the region. Aromas are comprised of leather, plum, cherry and baking spice with the cherry and leather coming through on the palate. This Merlot, with just a hint of Syrah is perfect to have on hand to share with the company if friends. Tasted June, 2016.