Continuing our voyage through Washington Wine Month we bring you one of the great Washington wineries, Col Solare, a partnership between Chateau Ste. Michelle and the Antinori Family. Starting with their first vintage in 1995, Col Solare’s mission has been to amalgamate these two distinct viticultural and winemaking backgrounds to create a fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine from choice Red Mountain fruit. Each year Col Solare crafts one of the best red blends in the state. The talented winemaking team is highly focused. Both winemaker Darell Allwine and assistant winemaker Will Wiles are truly talented and you can taste the level of dedication and commitment in the glass. Col Solare has a great newly redesigned tasting room in Chateau St. Michelle Winery and an even more gorgeous setting on Red Mountain. I highly recommend you stop by their facility on Red Mountain which is truly a world class winery, with sweeping views of the valley.
Until recently Col Solare made only two wines. Their signature blend, Col Solare, is typically made from around 70 percent Cabernet, depending on the vintage, and their second wine is called Shining Hill. They now offer a number of wine club wines under their ‘Component Collection’ label. The new 2015 Col Solare Red Wine (WWB, 93) is a powerful, seductive wine that is showing marvelously, considering obvious challenges with producing red wine in a very hot vintage and hot setting. This is the first vintage that the Col Solare has been 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the best Malbec wines produced in Washington, the 2015 Component Collection Malbec (WWB, 94) is a stunning wine that shows incredible intensity and range. Learn more about Col Solare at https://www.colsolare.com Here are great new Col Solare wines.
2015 Col Solare Red Wine- The 2015 Col Solare is the first vintage that they have utilized 100% Cabernet Sauvignon for this wine. Prior to bottling the wine saw 100% new French oak for 21 months. The oaky influence is secondary to the hedonistic aromas of wild blackberry cordial, mocha and crushed mint that build in the glass. There is a feeling of decadence on the palate as the toasty oak wraps around the silky mouthfeel. The plush texture delights, as does the black fruit flavors that combine with black tea, espresso bean and chocolate fudge. While this is not my favorite rendition of Col Solare, considering the heat spikes and challenges presented during this vintage, particularly at hotter sites like Red Mountain, this is an exceptional effort. Drink 2018-2035- 93
2015 Col Solare ‘Component Collection’ Red Wine- One of the great wines made from this estate, the 2015 Col Solare 'Component Collection'' Red Wine is a massive, limited release wine that is a one of a kind blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere. Intensely dark, this begins with dark fruits, anise and black tea on the nose. The palate has wonderful viscosity showing blackberry compote, mocha and anise flavors. Gorgeous and layered, this is a total stunner and should cellar well over the next ten to fifteen years. This is truly one of the wines of the vintage. Drink 2018-2035- 95
2015 Col Solare ‘Component Collection’ Cabernet Franc- The 2015 'Component Collection' Cabernet Franc is a limited production bottling, which was sourced from Col Solare's estate vineyard. Deeply perfumed, this starts out with crème de cassis, anise and mocha on the nose. On the palate, Anise, mocha and red bell pepper flavors are intense and highly gratifying. The mouthfeel is gorgeous as this finishes clean with dark fruits and minerals. This will cellar nicely over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2018-2035- 94
2015 Col Solare ‘Component Collection’ Syrah- The 2015 Col Solare ‘Component Collection’ Syrah is a truly outstanding bottling that shows some good aging potential. The bouquet takes on a smoky edge with smoked brisket, and creosote aromatics building in the glass, lined by black fruits. Once in the mouth, the palate takes on copious dark fruits with good minerality. Tertiary flavors of mocha and sage also build. An outstanding Syrah, this is irresistible but will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028- 93
2015 Col Solare ‘Component Collection’ Malbec- This shows an intoxicating bouquet that is quite complex and novel. Blueberry compote, Turkish coffee, tar and blackberry pie with smoky undertones. I love the silky texture here that envelops the wine. Blueberry cordial, smoked brisket, wet stone and blackberry jam flavors come to mind. Showing some really nice range and a seductive edge, the 2015 ‘Component Collection’ Malbec by Col Solare is up there with the best in the state. Drink 2018-2030- 94