The Good Juice Seems that everybody in the wine business is talking about Washington State these days, be it a small outfit producing world class wine or a big investment from an Italian blue blood like Antinori. The catalyst may have been Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon being named wine of the year in the Wine Spectator a few months ago, beating out wines from the top estates all over the world. Washington State wines have hit the big time with their punchy, generous flavours and unbeatable value. One winery that has been there since the beginning acting as a mentor and a beacon for many little mom and pop start ups is Chateau Ste. Michelle. In many ways the winery has acted as a farm system for winemakers and viticulturists for the entire state. This month the good juice showcases just a few wines from Washington State. They are insanely good value and I wouldn’t hesitate to pick some up for the cellar. Chateau Ste. Michelle ’07 Indian Wells Chardonnay, $26.95/bottle The '07 Indian Wells Chardonnay is barrel fermented in one third new American oak. It offers up a pleasing nose of toast, baked apple, poached pear, and tropical aromas, especially pineapple. Medium bodied, smooth textured, and ripe, this balanced effort finishes with considerable persistence. www.ste-michelle.com 89 points Wine Advocate Colombia Crest Grand Estate Merlot ’06, $18.95/bottle The Grand Estates Merlot has to be considered one of the best, if not the best budget Merlots in the world. The colour is pure and deep and there is a strong tannic spine. The flavours of cassis, coffee, boysenberry and chocolate could be coming from a much more expensive bottle. www.columbiacrest.com 89 points “Best Buy” Wine enthusiast Colombia Crest Grand Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ’06, $18.95/bottle This wine is both supple and inviting. It is a softer style of Cabernet that weaves milk chocolate and spice through the dark berry and currant flavours, which mingle very effectively on the finish. 89 points “Best Value” Wine Spectator Chateau Ste. Michelle Col Solare ’05 Cabernet Sauvignon, $89.95/bottle Col Solare is a partnership between Piero Antinori and Chateau Ste Michelle which started in 1995. Italian for “shining hill” the venture realises the partners mission to unite two unique winegrowing and winemaking cultures to produce an ultra - luxury Cabernet Sauvignon based wine. The wine is purple coloured with notes of wood smoke, mineral, spice box, black currant and blackberry. On the palate it is full bodied and layered with well concealed tannins. Reminiscent of a top quality Pauillac from Bordeaux, it will evolve for 5-7 years and provide pleasure through 2030. www.colsolare.com Six packs, 94 points Robert Parker     When you have a moment please check out our website at www.profilewinegroup.com How to order Phone: 416-598-0033 extension 243 to speak directly with Allan Leal, or you can E-mail him at aleal@profilewinegroup.com All orders are COD. Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or cheque. Your credit card will not be charged until the product is shipped. Minimum Orders: There is a one case minimum order (12 bottles unless otherwise noted). Delivery to a single destination within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is free of charge. Delivery outside of the GTA can be arranged. You must be 19 years of age or older to place or receive a wine order.