Ft. Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed I tend to associate myself with being spiritual as opposed to religious. But some of those Sunday School lessons stick with you no matter where life takes you, and I think they apply whether you believe in a higher power or not. For example, this gem from the book of Ecclesiastes:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
…a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
…a time to break down, and a time to build up;
…a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
…a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
…a time to seek, and a time to lose;
…a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
…a time to love, and a time to hate;
…a time for war, and a time for peace.
Oof. Hits home – especially this year. In terms of seasons, the past ten days have been a bit of a reset for me. I took a step back from everything – both the things that sparked joy and the things that didn’t. It’s been such an emotional season of life (hell, the whole year really) and a mental shift was just what I needed. There is truly a time for everything. Even a time to drink wine and time to abstain… um… well, maybe not that one. But all that to say, when I inventoried everything that brought joy, this little corner of the internet made top billing.
This week I wanted to take it back to basics for me. Chateau Ste. Michelle has such a sweet spot in my heart. It was the first winery I ever visited – a surprise day trip planned by my husband on our honeymoon. Once the staff (and several other patrons) found out we were just married they made sure our wine glasses were never empty all afternoon. I lost track of all the wines we tried somewhere around glass 17. So, maybe I had tried this wine before today? It’s entirely possible, but I don’t remember.
I pick up Chateau Ste. Michelle wines fairly regularly because their Rieslings are just so reliable, if not the most exciting. I appreciate consistency, ya know? However, I just don’t think to grab it in the red aisles of the grocery store. Shame on me, because this is pretty good! This cab is a true new world style wine. You know I love my Columbia Valley wines, and I am happy to add this to the rotation. A warm oakiness greets the palette, while jammy fruit and subtle coconut flavors linger in the best way. An ideal balance of Fall and Summer – a time for everything, after all.