Chatting up Château Ste. Michelle

A few months ago I happened to pick up a bottle of Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon at the H.E.B. on 802 and Paredes Line.  I grabbed it because it was on sale, had a good rating on the tag, and was almost sold out.  I figured that had to be a good sign.  It was an excellent wine, and Pris and I really enjoyed that bottle.  However, by the time I went back to get another they were sold out.  And H.E.B. stayed sold out for quite some time.

Finally, on a trip to Austin we happened to find a 2009 Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells at a Central Market in Austin or San Antonio.  We grabbed a couple bottles this time since we knew it was good.  Of course a week or so later I found it again at the Ruben Torres H.E.B.

Pris had planned to open a bottle earlier last week right after the Malbec, but our joint illness threw a bit of a monkey wrench in those plans.  We finally got around to it Saturday night.  I grilled up a couple of steaks using a new seasoning rub and opened to the bottle to let it breathe.

The 2009 Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon is a really smooth easy drinking Cab.  Its got loads of lush fruit on the nose.  The wine opens up nicely, so you definitely want to let it breathe for a while or even use a decanter.  This Washinton State Cab is smooth in the mouth, and lighter and fruitier than your California Cabs.  Even though its fruitier, its still got some bite, and the loads of dark fruit keep it from being sweet.  While this is a good bottle the 2008 was better, a little fuller and more robust.  So some cellaring and waiting would likely make the 2009 even better.

The wine paired excellently with the steak and mashed potatoes.  And the last of it is going down really well as I write up this review.  Due to the soft lush flavoring of this Cab, you can drink it pretty much any time, and it works great in the balmy summer evenings.  Of course it doesn't really beat a cold beer in the heat, but nestled inside in the air-conditioning its great.

 A quick note, Chateau Ste Michelle also makes a Cab that's not of the Indian Wells variety.  It is listed as an "Old World Style" while the Indian Wells is listed as "New World Style."  We had some of the old world when our friend Cecilia Balli brought over a bottle one evening.  It was a solid wine, but you could tell the difference between the two.  Either way, you can't go wrong, but if you're looking for something lighter, definitely look for the Indian Wells on the label.

For more information on the winery you can go to: http://www.ste-michelle.com/ or for more info on this wine in particular: http://www.ste-michelle.com/wines/indianWells