Spirited and plush, with expressive pineapple and pear flavors, accented by buttery brioche and spice notes that build richness on the opulent finish.

Bright medium ruby. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate and licorice, with complicating inky and herbal nuances; a bit blacker in character than the Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet. Tactile, broad and rich; fairly full on the palate without going over the top, spreading out to saturate the sides of the mouth with cassis, black cherry, menthol and licorice flavors. The tannins are a bit less refined than those of the Canoe Ridge but this wine shows more depth of flavor and texture, not to mention length. A darker, chewier, broader style, perhaps with less restraint but plenty of finishing sweetness to its dark berry fruit. (14.5% alcohol)

One of Chateau Ste Michelle's flagship bottlings, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard offers up a deep-pitched bouquet of cassis, black plums and loamy soil. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with bright acids, juicy fruit and powdery tannins that turn somewhat drying on the finish, depressing my score. I suspect this site may have suffered in the heat this year.

The aromas are bright, with notes of cherry, plum, vanilla and baking spice. The fruit flavors are plump, with plenty of barrel accents. The tannins come off as quite dry, leading to a sweet vanilla-filled finish. The oak is at the fore.