Col Solare

Notes - 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 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. The blend for this vintage is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Syrah and 2% Malbec.Try with steak, Rack of Lamb and hard cheeses. 92 points - Wine Enthusiast and 91 points - Robert Parker.
 
     

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