Josh Cellars Merlot
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Showing image 1 of 1: Chateau St Michelle Merlot 750 Ml front bottle
Chateau Ste. Michelle St Michelle Merlot
Chateau Ste. Michelle · Washington · United States
$17.99
1
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Why it’s a great value
It carries a verified 88-point score from Wine Enthusiast at a price under $25. The next step up in the same style, Sterling Vineyards Napa Merlot, is $22.99.
Taste profile
SweetnessDry → Sweet
BodyLight → Full
Acidity*Soft → Bright
Tannin*Silky → Grippy
Oak*None → Bold
Fruit*Subtle → Intense
* WineDiscounts editorial estimate based on verified tasting notes.
What it tastes like
Plush black cherry and dark red fruit with mocha, cocoa and warm spice, finishing smooth rather than heavy.
You’ll like this if…
Choose this if you like approachable Merlot, Washington reds, or softer Cabernet-style wines with less grip.
Why buy it
A reliable Columbia Valley Merlot from a benchmark Washington producer, with enough oak and spice for dinner but a smooth, easygoing profile.
Best for
Pasta, lamb, burgers, and shoppers who want a polished dry red without going too full-bodied.
Style
Medium-bodied, dry, fruit-forward Merlot with moderate oak and smooth tannins.
Drinks like
Softer Columbia Valley Cabernet blends, California Merlot, or approachable Right Bank Bordeaux-inspired reds.
Experience level
Beginner-friendly, but still interesting for Washington wine fans.
Flavor notes
Pairs well with
hearty pasta with tomato or meat sauce · grilled lamb chops · mushroom and nutty rice pilaf · burgers or flatbread pizza
Best occasions
Serving & enjoying
- Serving temperature:
- 60-65°F
- Decanting:
- 15-20 minutes optional; pour straight from bottle for a softer, fruit-forward style.
- Glassware:
- Standard red wine glass or Bordeaux glass.
- Drink or cellar:
- Drink now; hold short term if you prefer softer tannins.
- After opening:
- Best within 2-3 days if recorked and kept cool.
Guidance partly estimated by WineDiscounts from the wine’s style.
About this wine
Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Merlot is an approachable Washington red with black cherry, mocha and spice, finishing smooth and polished. A Merlot-led blend with small amounts of Syrah and other red grapes adds plush fruit and gentle complexity.
Wine details
- Type
- red
- Varietal
- Merlot
- Grapes
- 88% Merlot, 5% Syrah, 2% Mourvedre, 2% Grenache, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec
- Producer
- Chateau Ste. Michelle
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Washington
- Appellation
- Columbia Valley
- Bottle size
- 750 Ml
- ABV
- 13.5%
Details last verified September 24, 2026
Explore
Winemaking details ›
- Vineyard source:
- Columbia Valley; specific vineyard sources for the current release are not stated on the producer page.
- Vessel:
- 58% neutral oak, 13% new American oak, 9% new French oak and 20% stainless steel.
About the winery · Chateau Ste. Michelle ›
Chateau Ste. Michelle traces its story to Washington wine pioneers and launched the Ste. Michelle Vineyards brand in 1967, described by the winery as Washington's first premium label. The Chateau Ste. Michelle name and Woodinville winery followed in 1976. The producer focuses on wines that show the character of Washington State and the Columbia Valley. Its Columbia Valley vineyard material benefits from the Cascade Mountains' rain shadow, which creates a dry growing environment where irrigation can be carefully managed.
Critic reviews
88/100Wine Enthusiast
“Fresh herb, flower, raspberry, cocoa and wood spice; raspberry and spice flavors with firm tannic structure.”
Trade up
$22.99Sterling Vineyards Napa Merlot
Merlot · California
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Chateau Ste. Michelle St Michelle Merlot dry or sweet?
- Chateau Ste. Michelle St Michelle Merlot is bone dry — its sweetness rating is 1 on our 1 (bone dry) to 5 (sweet) scale. It is medium-bodied.
- What does Chateau Ste. Michelle St Michelle Merlot taste like?
- Plush black cherry and dark red fruit with mocha, cocoa and warm spice, finishing smooth rather than heavy.
- What food pairs with Chateau Ste. Michelle St Michelle Merlot?
- It pairs well with Hearty pasta with tomato or meat sauce, Grilled lamb chops, Mushroom and nutty rice pilaf and Burgers or flatbread pizza.
- How should I serve Chateau Ste. Michelle St Michelle Merlot?
- Serve at 60-65°F. 15-20 minutes optional; pour straight from bottle for a softer, fruit-forward style. Glass: Standard red wine glass or Bordeaux glass.
- Is Chateau Ste. Michelle St Michelle Merlot a good value?
- At $17.99 it carries a verified 88-point score from Wine Enthusiast; the review is shown on this page.
- What is the bottle size and alcohol content of Chateau Ste. Michelle St Michelle Merlot?
- 750 ml bottle, 13.5% alcohol by volume.