Monique Sosa - Accredited Sommelier rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

This is an incredibly plush satiny smooth merlot! Clean pronounced ripe raspberry, blackberry, dark plum, vanilla, and all spice notes billow from the glass onto the palate and linger on and on for a long luscious finish. This merlot is medium-full bodied, high alcohol (14.5%), (medium +) mouthwatering acidity, and has tremendous potential for aging (drinking well into 2020-2023). Altogether with ageability, high concentration and balanced fruit flavours, mouthwatering acidity, smooth tannins and well integrated alcohol; this is an outstanding example of a new world cool climate merlot. Enjoy with carne asada tacos. (Tasted Nov. 2015)

Andrew Bernardo rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Access to excellent sources of fruit allows Ste. Michelle to create incredible wines year to year. The consistency is breathtaking. The Indian Wells is lower production than their eponymous Merlot, but what great depth, with blue and black fruits dominating the nose and palate, some roasted herb and melted licorice notes come through on the finish. Incredibly smooth finish. Almost too easy to drink. Enjoy with roasted meats and game. Drink now through 2015. 91 Points. (ottawawinejournal.com)

Jon Steeves - Sommelier rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

The 2008 vintage Indian Wells 100% Merlot yields From Washington State's infamous Columbia Valley. Inky deep ruby red with thick slow moving legs, with a thin ruby rim. Aromatics of ripe blackberry, plum, dark cherry, ripe raspberry, vanilla, allspice on the nose and palate. Velvet smooth, tart and rich, this wine leaves a tart cherry and blackberry persistence with a long finish. Medium plus acidity, medium plus tannins, medium plus fruits and high alcohol (14.5?V) , this wine offers ageability and a drinking window from 2015-20125. Pairs well with Montreal smoked meat, BBQ chicken skewers or for the pescatarian, a wasabi tunatartare.

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Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot 2008 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 90/100

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