Anyone have any recent notes on this wine and also thoughts on how long will cellar for? WS said drink til 2004, but that seems a bit short.

I had a bottle of this wine in December. In my opinion, all the '99 merlots from Ch. Ste. Michelle were equally as good, even the regular Columbia Valley bottling. This is what early approachable merlot is supposed to taste like (from the western side of the US anyway) a deep purple color exhibiting wonderful fruit that first leaps out as an aroma and then hits the palate up front with smooth, pleasant mixed berries. A hint of pepper gives it a medium, spicy finish. I gave it a 7 out of 10 which corresponds to a bottle to save for a relaxed dinner with friends, not quite a special occasion wine.

Also, as it was rather easy drinking in 2002, I don't see it getting much better with more bottle age