From Sparrow’s red wine by the bottle list, the Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series is a flagship Washington red, and Sparrow currently offers two vintages: the 2018 at $115 by the bottle and the 2015 at $140 by the bottle.
About Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series
The Artist Series is Chateau Ste. Michelle’s top-tier Bordeaux-style red blend, sourced from the Columbia Valley in Washington State. As the menu notes, the 2018 vintage is a favorite of head winemaker Bob Bertheau, given a full two years of oak aging that has fashioned a bold wine with vast complexity. The 2015 vintage is the winery’s top-tier blend from what was at the time a record warm growing season, with a bountiful harvest of ripe grapes. The 2015 is a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (10%), and Malbec (3%), aged to peak. A signature of the Artist Series is the label itself: each release is adorned with original artwork, and the 2015 bottle features art from Canadian artist Sheri Bakes. It is a fitting nod for a Kirkland and Eastside crowd that appreciates both good wine and good design.
Tasting Notes
We will describe the style rather than invent specifics. A Columbia Valley Bordeaux-style blend like this, led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, is typically full-bodied and structured, with dark fruit such as blackberry and cassis, notes of cocoa and spice from the oak aging, and firm, polished tannins. The two years of oak on the 2018 in particular point to a bold, layered wine. Both vintages reward a decant.
What to Pair It With
This is a steakhouse red at heart. From the Sparrow dinner menu, pair it with our American Wagyu steaks, the American Wagyu Steak Sandwich, or the Sparrow-Smoked Rack. The Braised Duck is another strong match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series?
It is Chateau Ste. Michelle’s top-tier Bordeaux-style red blend from the Columbia Valley in Washington, with each release dressed in original artwork. The 2015 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
How much is the Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series at Sparrow?
Sparrow offers two vintages by the bottle: the 2018 at $115 and the 2015 at $140, both in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside.
Which vintages does Sparrow carry?
Sparrow currently lists the 2018 and the 2015 vintages of the Artist Series, so you can taste two expressions of this Columbia Valley blend.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near other Washington reds like the Northstar Cabernet and the Walter Clore Reserve. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come compare the vintages.