For thoughts on Chateau Ste Michelle’s uniqueness and recent evolution, consult my extensive April, 2013 text designed to introduce recent tasting notes. Ste Michelle’s 2009 Meritage Artist Series is richer than its 2010 counterpart and more seamlessly ripe and sweet as well. But it also harbors some slightly drying tannin and lacks the sense of levity or primary juiciness than possessed by the 2010 – for all of my reservations about it – not to mention the 2009 Canoe Ridge Merlot. Licorice, chocolate, and tar mingle with cherry and cassis in a satisfyingly persistent finish. Look for at least 3-4 years of high performance here, though my intuition is not to expect noticeable improvement with bottle age. Tel. (425) 488-1133