For thoughts on Chateau Ste Michelle’s uniqueness and recent evolution, consult my extensive April, 2013 text designed to introduce recent tasting notes. There are gamy and animal overtones to the Ste Michelle 2004 Meritage Artist Series as there were to the corresponding 2005, but this wine has remained juicier; its display of dark berry, herbal, tarry, leathery, and medicinal-mineral elements is even more multifaceted; and it harbors a quite invigorating saline finishing tang. The combination of bay, game, plum, and salt here actually put me in mind of a Bandol or other Mourvedre. Given its gamey elements and the fact that its tannins are quite resolved, I would recommend enjoying it soon, though it might well continue satisfying for longer. Tel. (425) 488-1133

This Bordeaux blend has a different artist’s label every year but otherwise has no identity of its own. This new release is tight, hot and shows signs of reduction; it’s got a burnt rubber scent underlying the ultraripe, almost pruny fruit. It’s just not a compelling wine; it hasn’t jelled and it doesn’t seem as if it will. There is concentration and power to be sure, but pleasure is in short supply.——P.G.(12/31/2007)—— 85