H3 Columbia Crest Merlot 2013 Wine Review

H3 Columbia Crest Merlot 2013

Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State, United States

Community Score:90/100

Community Reviews: 10

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Price: $22.95

Drink: 2013-2019

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 14.5%

Sweetness: Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine

Winery: H3

Agent: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.

Natalie's Score: 92/100

The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures in this eastern Washington state wine region is the reason why Merlots like this one are terrific. In October, during the last weeks of the key ripening season before harvest the nighttime temperature can plummet from 35 degrees in the day to just 20 degrees at night which allows for ripening during the day but then the grapes stop in the night and preserve freshness and natural acidity. The great thing is that the grapes don't get over-ripe as in some warm climates where photosynthesis produces more sugar and therefore more alcohol. That's why Washington red wines are often a moderate 13% alcohol. This wine features aromas of dark spice, fleshy blackberry and smoke. Pair with roast beef.

Merlot food pairings: grilled pork chops, pepper steak, duck, grilled lamb, cheese.

Best Beef Wine

This H3 Columbia Crest Merlot 2013 was reviewed on January 27, 2017 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016

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Pricing & Stock Information

LCBO
209874
$22.95
2,046 bottles

Store

Stock

Dundas & Trafalgar

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Highway 5 & Highway 6

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North Service & Dorval

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Mavis & Britannia

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Eglinton & Laird

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BCLDB
752063
$18.25
1,435 bottles

Store

Stock

Kamloops Columbia Place

Whistler Marketplace

Richmond Brighouse

Richmond Seafair

Alberni & Bute

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SAQ
11881966
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Reviews and Ratings

Craig Kuziemsky rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Wonderful aromas and flavors of blueberry, cherry and blackberry with some baking spice and black tea on the palate. Has a velvety smooth finish. A perfect pairing with beef.

Cherie Cole rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

This is my favourite from the Columbia Crest family. If you haven't tried Merlot lately, I recommend trying this one. Complex with aromas and flavours of black plum, dark chocolate, forest floor, sweet spice and dark cherry. A perfectly balanced wine with medium-full body, bright acidity and velvety tannins. Tasted June, 2016.

Melanie Aubert rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

While the H3 Cabernet Sauvignon is the best-selling Washington wine in Canada and the one that originally put this wine region on the map for me, the H3 Merlot is the one I now enjoy the most. H3 stands for Horse Heaven Hills, the AVA (i.e. appellation) where wild horses used to roam freely. The merlot grown in the Columbia Valley is different from its counterparts grown in other parts of the world. The Valley’s drought-like conditions and extreme sun exposure toughen up the merlot grape, so that it grows a thicker skin, making for a bigger wine. This merlot has ripe fruit and chocolate as well as firm tannins from the thick skins to balance it out, plus a tinge of cedar and mint, to balance out the berriness. I am very excited to see that this one will be back in Vintages with the August 6 release.

Get the whole story at http://winingwithmel.com/2016/07/08/focus-on-washington-wines/

Matt Steeves - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Washington is making Merlot great again! Not that Merlot hasn't always been great but it certainly hasn't been at the top of the average consumer's wine list, but times are changing and this is the Merlot that's going to win back all those devoted Cabernet drinkers. Horse Heaven Hill's "H3" Merlot is very impressive. Rich and concentrated with dark fruits, cherry, plum, spice, and a touch of herbs rounding it out and making it ideal with grilled big game meat. Enjoy 2016-2022. Tasted June 2016. 90+ points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Monique Sosa - Accredited Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

A glorious balance of ripe berry, earth and winter spice. The palate showing velvety smooth smooth developed tannins, a balance city and a long enticing berry and cocoa finish. For the price, it's a steal! Enjoy with braised beef tacos. Tasted July 2016. @sommsosa @bespoketastings

Jennifer Havers - WSET Level 3 rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

Merlot might not be at the top of your wine shopping list, but this lovely example could change your mind. Very plush and smooth with lots of berry and dark fruit aromas mingled with some warm spice notes and a hint of earthiness. Fruit is bright on the palate, along with that earthy hint and a slight smokiness. Tannins are smooth, the texture is almost a bit creamy, kind of chocolate-y, and finish is medium to long. Try with any pork dishes, and enjoy!

2 Members would buy this wine again

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H3 Columbia Crest Merlot 2013 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Pricing & Stock Information

Reviews and Ratings