197. Château Ste Michelle, Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard, 1997

€30; 13.5%

My first Washington State wine, courtesy of Diageo free product! Mature deep intensity colour: garnet-to-brick. On breathing, opened into toasty oak spice with eucalyptus lift, over core of blackcurrant fruit on the nose. Despite some tannin / acid structure, overall smooth, silky medium-to-full bodied mouthfeel. Pleasant matured-fruit palate with some length. Overall good. Would have been disappointed if bought retail.