Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
A Wine for Tonight: 2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah
By Kori ~ October 27th, 2011.
Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah from the Columbia Valley of Washington State.
Our selection criteria include:
- A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
- A price tag of <=$15
- Must be widely available
Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington State’s founding winery with its roots dating back to the repeal of Prohibition. In 1976, Ste. Michelle built a French-style chateau in Woodinville, just northeast of Seattle. While all of their white wines are made in Woodinville, all of their red wines are made at Canoe Ridge Estate in eastern Washington. The majority of fruit for this Syrah was sourced from vineyards on the Wahluke Slope with the balance of the blend coming from the Columbia Valley and Horse Heaven Hills AVAs.
“The Columbia Valley Syrah is a soft, ripe Syrah with ripe berry fruit aromas and flavors with hints of vanilla and brown sugar spice. The 2008 Syrah was co-fermented with Viognier for an even more accessible and fruit forward style of Syrah. This is an enjoyable, easy-to-drink red.†–Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker
2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah (Columbia Valley, Washington): 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier. Dark purple in color. Nice nose with oak, spice, and black fruit aromas. More black fruit, spice, and a hint of black pepper come through on the palate. Full-bodied with lively acidity, medium to high tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $13; Available elsewhere, $11
Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Shiraz/Syrah, Washington State Wine, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25
