A sensational wine from this estate, the 2014 Artist Series Meritage checks in as a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by ripe, sexy notes of blackberries, cassis, smoked earth and hints of chocolate. Ripe, sweetly fruited, rounded and beautifully textured, with solid purity and finesse, it's already hard to resist but is going to keep for a decade.

Up with some of the top wines from the vintage, the 2013 Artist Series Meritage (65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc) offers a focused, tight profile that will benefit from short-term cellaring. Graphite, plums, black currants and smoked herbs all emerge from this full-bodied, impeccably balanced, layered blend that will keep for 15 years or more.

I was blown away by the quality of the 2012 Artist Series Meritage, and this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend has rock-star notes of black raspberries, cassis, chocolate, smoked earth and creamy licorice. Full-bodied, concentrated and seamless, with no shortage of mid-palate depth or tannin, drink it anytime over the coming 15 years or so.

The star of the lineup is the 2011 Artist Series. A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot, it offers gorgeous cassis, black currants, licorice, charred earth and dark chocolate like aromas and flavors. Pure, concentrated and elegant, with full-bodied richness and a layered, focused feel, it should be at its best from 2016-2026. Chateau Ste Michelle continues to release high-quality wines that, in most cases, represent superb values. All of these 2011s and 2012s are noteworthy. Tel. (425) 415-3300; www.ste-michelle.com

Also mostly from the Cold Creek Vineyard and a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec, the 2010 Artist Series Meritage currently shows its oak upbringing (20 months in 57% new French and 4% new American oak), yet backs it up with superb concentration and mid-palate density. Loaded with pure blackberry, wood smoke, lead pencil shavings and licorice aromas and flavors, this medium to full-bodied, classy 2010 needs a handful of years to round into shape and will have 10-12 years or more of ultimate longevity. Drink 2015-2022. Tel. (425) 415-3300; www.ste-michelle.com