Red Table Wine (1996)

About this wine

The 1996 Col Solare from Columbia Valley is a harmonious blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, showcasing the collaboration between Washington's Chateau Ste. Michelle and Italy's Marchesi Antinori. This wine presents a deep, inky color and opens with aromas of ripe blackberry, anise, and subtle smoky oak accents. On the palate, it delivers concentrated flavors of black currant and blackberry, complemented by rich notes of coffee, mocha, vanilla, and tobacco. The wine's structure is elegantly balanced, with firm tannins and a generous finish that lingers. Notably, this vintage received a 92-point rating from Wine Spectator, highlighting its remarkable density of flavor and sleek frame.

About the grape

In the 1996 Col Solare Red Table Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were the primary grape varietals, comprising 85% and 15% of the blend, respectively. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its thick skins and hardy vines, thrives in the Columbia Valley's warm days and cool nights, contributing to the wine's structure and aging potential. Merlot, with its earlier ripening and softer tannins, adds a plush, fruit-forward character to the blend. The collaboration between Washington's Chateau Ste. Michelle and Italy's Marchesi Antinori in producing this wine highlights the adaptability of these classic Bordeaux varietals to Washington's unique terroir.

Quick facts

• 🌄 Col Solare, meaning 'shining hill' in Italian, is a collaboration between Tuscany's Marchesi Antinori and Washington State's Chateau Ste. Michelle, blending Old World and New World winemaking traditions.
• 🍇 The 1996 Col Solare is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, showcasing the rich fruit character and full tannins typical of Red Mountain's warm climate.
• 🌞 Red Mountain, where Col Solare is located, is Washington's warmest appellation, producing grapes with concentrated flavors and exceptional structure.
• 🏆 The 1996 vintage received a 92-point rating from Wine Spectator, praised for its density of flavor and sleek frame, with notes of black raspberry, cherry, currant, and coffee.
• 🌱 Col Solare's estate vineyard was designed following the Antinori family's specifications, ensuring uniform ripening and high-quality fruit, reflecting a meticulous approach to viticulture.

Palate profile

Producer

Col Solare, meaning "shining hill" in Italian, was established in 1995 as a collaboration between Tuscany's Marchesi Antinori and Washington State's Chateau Ste. Michelle, aiming to blend Italian winemaking traditions with Washington's unique terroir. In 2007, they inaugurated a dedicated winery and planted a 29-acre estate vineyard on Red Mountain, renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard was designed following Antinori's specifications from their Tuscan and Umbrian estates. In 2024, Marchesi Antinori acquired full ownership of Col Solare, underscoring their commitment to the exceptional potential of the Red Mountain AVA.