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: 2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Syrah
By Kori ~ December 11th, 2013.
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? If so, you might want to check out the 2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley 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 <=$20
- 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.
“The Columbia Valley Syrah is a soft, jammy Syrah made in an approachable and fruit forward style. Syrah is blended with a touch of Viognier, Mourvedre, and Grenache for layers of flavors. This is an enjoyable, easy-to-enjoy red.” –Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker
2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah (Columbia Valley, Washington): 94% Syrah, 3% Viognier, 2% Mourvedre, and 1% Grenache. Deep purple in color. Nice nose with black fruit and spice aromas. Black cherry, blackberry, spice, and a hint of smoked meat come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with crisp acidity, medium to high tannins, and a very 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 $14; Available elsewhere, $15 to $19
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
Yes, in my opinion, an underrated winery in Washington and they do very well with the Wahluke Slope grapes.
You are absolutely right, Gary. Cheers!