The Cabernet-based wines commence with the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells which contains 9% Syrah in its blend. Purple-colored, it offers an enticing nose of wood smoke, blackberry, and black cherry. Firm on the palate, there is plenty of sweet fruit, light tannin and attractive black fruit flavors. It will drink well from 2010 to 2017. Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington’s largest winery, continues to demonstrate that being big is not incompatible with high quality. The latest set of releases may be the strongest to date.Tel. (425) 415-3300; www.ste-michelle.com

The Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon seems a little reductive at the moment; odd, since the 2005 vintage was forward, almost fat, and the wine has been in bottle for quite some time. It should definitely be decanted and aired out before serving, which will help to push the fruit flavors forward. The finish is just slightly dilute, but the wine is well-made and may just be suffering from some of the occasional dumbness that strikes Cabernet.——P.G.(12/1/2008)—— 86