Ste Chapelle

Simple fruit, easy drinking. Nothing to write home about.

What: Ste Chapelle Chateau Series Merlot (non-vintage)

Where: Your local Utah State liquor store.

How Much: $12 / bottle

Rating: 2 out of 5

Who’s It For: Someone who’s had a rough day at work and just wants to unwind with a glass of red they don’t have to think about.

Review: This was my first go at an Idaho wine, and although I wasn’t disappointed, I also wasn’t impressed.

I try to go into wine tasting with as close to zero expectations as possible. It’s hard to be disappointed that way, and on the flipside, it’s a truly pleasant surprise when something turns out to be amazing.

This looked like a typical Merlot; medium ruby colored with dark cherry and a hint of leather on the nose.

On the palate it was dark cherry and plum, with fairly balanced acid and tannins, which made for easy drinking. At times, I felt like it could have used a bit more acid, because the more I sipped, the more I felt the wine was on the verge of flaccidity (though it never quite crossed the line). I did appreciate the extended finish; cherry flavor lingered on the palate long after each sip.

If I could summarize this wine in one word, it would be “simple.”

For those in search of a killer Merlot, look elsewhere.

For those in search of something tasty that will do the trick, this one’s for you. You’ll get that long, fruity finish, and enough alcohol (13.8% abv) to take the edge off of the roughest day at the office.