The saturated purple-colored 2006 Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon also contains small quantities of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah. Sourced from the Canoe Ridge Estate, Cold Creek Vineyard, and Wahluke Slope, it was aged for 22 months in French and American oak. Attractive aromas of cedar, spice box, boysenberry, plum, and mocha are followed by a complex Cabernet with a velvety texture, rich fruit, plenty of spice notes, and enough structure to evolve for 3-4 years. This lengthy effort will deliver prime drinking from 2013 to 2026. Chateau Ste. Michelle continues to demonstrate that a winery can be large and quality-oriented at the same time. Their current collection is as good as or better than anything it has done in the past.Tel. (425) 415-3300; www.ste-michelle.com

It’s just a little soapy, with some pineapple flavors in the fruit. Overall it’s a full-bodied, rich red, and immediately enjoyable, but it loses some varietal specificity and focus as a result of different grape sources in the blend. ——P.G.(12/1/2009)—— 88