This Washington wine is a blend of Stillwater Creek fruit, comprising 57% merlot, 24% cabernet, 14% cab franc, 3% malbec, and 2% petit verdot. In the glass, the Saviah was a beautiful deep purple, delivering scents of black fruit, especially cherry.

Silky tannins and a velvety finish confirmed this wine's varietal make up being mostly merlot. But the sweet, candied fruit and flavors of new oak were just not my style in this type of wine.

We paired the Saviah Cellars 2005 Big Sky Cuvee Columbia Valley (14.1%) with grilled beef tenderloins, roasted broccoli that had been dressed in olive oil, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and garlic, and a side of seasoned rice.

To each his or her own, but when I eat a steak or most any food for that matter, I'd rather not overwhelm it with a sweet, oaky wine.

Related Links
Saviah Cellars Winemaker's Notes