Col Solare

Wine information: Piero Antinori 26th generation Italian winemaker, was enthusiastically introduced to Washington's Columbia Valley wines by none other than legendary Napa Valley winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. After tasting some of the wines and seeing some of the vineyards, Piero sought out the winemaking team at Chateau Ste. Michelle to discuss potential partnerships - Col Solare is the result of this exciting joint venture. Col Solare (which is Italian for “shining hill”) was first introduced with the 1995 vintage.  Since its inception, some vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills have distinguished themselves in the Col Solare blend, and others have been planted specifically to make this wine.  Muscular Washington Cabernet grapes from Red Mountain vineyards are starting to contribute more significantly to the blend, there is also a small proportion of Syrah. The blend for this vintage is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Syrah and 2% Malbec.

Tasting Notes: Col Solare 1999 vintage has chocolate and caramel aromas which mingle with an earthy note and a hint of tobacco to introduce a wine with generous black currant and black cherry, set off by a trace of allspice. Silky, with both abundant, soft tannins and plenty of muscle, this is a wine of significant dimension.

Food & drink match: Try with steak, Rack of Lamb and hard cheeses.

Reviews: "The 1999 (Col Solare) is medium to dark ruby-colored and reveals spicy blackberry aromas. A blend 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and the remaining 10% divided between Syrah and Malbec, it exhibits gorgeous breadth to its medium-bodied, concentrated personality. This well-extracted wine has outstanding depth of fruit. Intense, juicy, and powerful, it coats the taster's palate with blackberries, cassis, and spices." 91 points, The Wine Advocate, December 31, 2002

"This partnership between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Antinori is always a quality wine. The classic cassis and chocolate aromas have an accent of caramel. Flavors include intense black currants and a touch of spice. The wine is as elegant as it is deep, with a long complex finish." 92 points, Wine Enthusiast December 30, 2002

 
     

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