Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Col Solare, 2008 Red Wine, Columbia Valley


Col Solare is the partnership that brings together two recognized leaders in their respective regions: Tuscany’s Marchesi Antinori and Washington State’s Chateau Ste. Michelle. The winery is nestled into the Red Mountains of Washington State.
I was introduced to the brand while attending the Wine Bloggers Conference in Walla Walla. It was a pleasant surprise to find their 2008 Red on the wine list of Woodward Table during a recent visit to Washington, DC.
I opted for a shrimp and grits appetizer with the Coulotte steak entrée special. I don’t recall having Coulotte steak before. This is sirloin cap sliced diagonally. The chef prepared this to perfection – medium rare of course. 
The Woodward Table is a great restaurant just a short stroll from the White House and very close to the location of our group’s meeting the next morning. The restaurant offers an excellent bar, a well crafted menu plus an eclectic wine list.
Another sign of a great restaurant, at least to this wine lover, is that the waiter asked if we would like to have our wine decanted. Absolutely! Col Solare is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Syrah. Grapes come from all-star vineyards in the Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, Wahluka Slope and Horse Heaven Hills AVAs.
The wine has rich flavors of currant and blackberries with a background of tobacco. It’s aged for 32 months, but the tannins are well blended and the overall effect is silken. It was spectacular with my steak.
Col Solare has an SRP of $75 and is a delightful wine at any price.
Rating: 4.5 of 5  Value: 3 of 5

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