The 2008 Shining Hills is a blend of declassified Col Solare lots aged for 17 months in 50% new French and American oak. It is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, with the balance Syrah and Cabernet Franc. Savory, ripe, and elegant, this nicely balanced, mouth-filling, effort has enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years and will provide pleasure from 2012 to 2023. Col Solare is a partnership between Tuscany’s Marchesi Antinori and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates which began in 1995. The 2007 crush was the second in Col Solare’s splendid new winery in Benton City, one hour west of Walla Walla.Tel. (509) 588-6806; www.colsolare.com

This is the second label for Col Solare, the Ste. Michelle/Antinori collaboration on Red Mountain. A fine bottle for the price, it shows the same elegance and supple texture as the frontline wine. Black cherry, blueberry, mocha and smoke swirl over and around the palate. Only in the finish does it seem to fade quickly, with a very slight suggestion of glue in the aftertaste.——P.G.(7/1/2011)—— 88