Wine description

Col Solare is the result of the shared desire of Chateau St. Michelle and Antinori to experiment the potential of the Columbia Valley. Col Solare was first produced in 1995 and combines Chateau St. Michelle expertise in the Northwest's climate and precision viticulture with Antinori’s 26 generations of winemaking experience in Italy.

Tasting Notes

Intense black raspberry and plum aromatics are threaded with cedar, allspice and a touch of vanilla. Raspberry and blackberry are equally prominent on the palate where they join with dark chocolate and roasted walnut flavors. Refined tannins create a supple, approachable mouthfeel that lingers to a balanced and memorable finish.

Vinification

Grapes were gently crushed, and lots fermented separately on the skins for an average of seven days. During this time, lots underwent a twice-daily pump over regime to infuse the fermenting juice with complexity, tannins and color. Two Cabernet Sauvignon lots from Horse Heaven Vineyard, the heart of every Col Solare wine, underwent extended maceration.

Ageing

The wine was pressed from the skins into 85% new and 15% one-year-old French oak barrels. Racking occurred during the 22 months of aging. The wine was bottled and allowed to rest for one year prior to release.