Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot 2017

Fragrant aromas of fresh herb, flower, raspberry, cocoa and wood spice are followed by orange peel, raspberry and spice flavors. A firm sense of tannic structure backs it up.

The wine offers aromas of black cherry, leather and spice with layers of rich dark red fruit flavors and a long, smooth, sweet finish. A touch of Syrah adds a jammy fruit character. I think of this wine as a great “everyday red.