Chateau Ste Michelle Merlot

Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Merlot – A True Taste of Washington Wine Country

Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Merlot is a signature expression of Washington State’s world-class winemaking. As one of the state’s most respected and historic wineries, Chateau Ste. Michelle brings a legacy of excellence to every bottle. This Merlot captures the rich, fruit-forward personality and refined balance that has made it a favorite of wine lovers across the country.

Whether you're enjoying a quiet dinner, entertaining guests, or adding to your wine collection, this approachable and well-crafted Merlot offers quality, elegance, and versatility in every glass.

A Classic Merlot with a Northwest Twist

Sourced primarily from the Columbia Valley—Washington’s premier wine region—this Merlot showcases the terroir’s unique ability to produce ripe, expressive fruit while maintaining structure and complexity. With warm days and cool nights, the region is ideal for cultivating Merlot that delivers bold flavor with refined balance.

Crafted predominantly from Merlot, this wine also includes carefully blended amounts of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and other Bordeaux varietals to round out the body and enhance complexity. Each grape variety contributes to the wine’s layered flavor profile, while aging in oak barrels enhances its texture and depth.

Tasting Notes – Smooth, Juicy, and Balanced

• Color: Deep ruby red with a brilliant garnet rim, signaling freshness and vibrancy

• Aroma: Lush notes of black cherry, plum, and raspberry are joined by hints of mocha, cedar, and baking spice

• Palate: Medium-bodied with velvety tannins, offering flavors of ripe red berries, vanilla, cocoa, and a subtle touch of leather

• Finish: Smooth, well-rounded, and pleasantly dry, with a lingering echo of dark fruit and spice

Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Merlot strikes a harmonious balance between richness and finesse, making it easy to enjoy on its own or paired with a wide variety of foods.

Food Pairing Ideas – A Table-Friendly Favorite

This Merlot is an exceptionally versatile wine when it comes to food pairing. Its soft tannins and bold fruit flavors complement both light and hearty fare:

• Grilled meats – Try it with pork chops, roast chicken, or marinated lamb skewers

• Tomato-based dishes – Excellent alongside pasta with marinara, lasagna, or stuffed peppers

• Mushroom dishes – Pairs beautifully with mushroom risotto or wild mushroom pizza

• Cheese platters – Complements aged gouda, cheddar, or brie

Serve slightly below room temperature, around 60–64°F, to allow the wine’s aromatic complexity to fully shine.

Winemaking and Philosophy

Chateau Ste. Michelle, established in 1967, is the cornerstone of Washington’s wine industry. Their focus on combining Old World winemaking techniques with New World innovation has earned them a reputation for crafting wines of exceptional consistency and character.

For this Merlot, the winemaking team ages the wine in a combination of French and American oak barrels for several months to integrate subtle vanilla and spice notes while preserving the vibrant fruit. The result is a smooth, fruit-driven Merlot with layers of depth and finesse.

Why Choose Chateau Ste Michelle Merlot?

• Sourced from Columbia Valley, one of the top wine-growing regions in the U.S.

• Balanced blend of Merlot with complementary varietals for added complexity

• Crafted by one of Washington’s most acclaimed and historic wineries

• Versatile and food-friendly, ideal for casual dinners or special gatherings

• Outstanding value that rivals Merlots at a higher price point