H3 Columbia Crest Merlot 2014 Wine Review

H3 Columbia Crest Merlot 2014

Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State, United States

Community Score:88/100

Community Reviews: 11

Add My Review

Price: $22.95

Drink: 2017-2020

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 2014 was reviewed on March 4, 2017 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016

Add New Vintage

Pricing & Stock Information

LCBO
209874
$22.95
1,599 bottles

Store

Stock

Dundas & Trafalgar

Mavis & Britannia

Eglinton & Laird

Yonge & Summerhill

North Service & Dorval

Add

See More Locations Edit Locations

BCLDB
752063
$18.25
1,408 bottles

Store

Stock

Kamloops Columbia Place

Whistler Marketplace

Richmond Seafair

Vernon

Alberni & Bute

See More Locations Edit Locations

SAQ
11881966
Check Stock

Reviews and Ratings

Bill Wright Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Dark fruit, nice acid with smooth tannins. Medium finish tart dark fruit with pepper and dark fruit

Andrew Bernardo rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Always yummy, featuring plums, milk chocolate, Kenya AA coffee, and black cherry skin. 90 Points. (www.ottawawinejournal.com)

Lise Charest Gagne rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Yum! A deep red smooth aromatic powerhouse! Aromas of black fruit (black current jam, dark plums, dried figs), earthy cedar and campfire smoke. Flavors of black fruit jelly and anise are surprisingly soft and silky. This wine is highly aromatic and packs a punch at 14.5% alcohol. It leaves a warm and dry pleasant feeling in the mouth. It has some interesting acidity and tannins on the long finish. I would enjoy it with any dark rich meats or BBQ or have it on its own and let it shine through. This wine was aged for 17 months in old and new oak and is 100% Pinot Noir vs the estate label which is a blend and aged for 15 months. This wine reminds me of aromas of my grandfather’s cherry colt cigars during our walks at the cottage. I enjoyed it with sharp cheeses and a charcuterie board loaded with aged meats and olives.

Craig Kuziemsky rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Black fruit, smoke and cedar aromas with blackberry, cherry, mocha and a touch of spice on the palate. Pair with grilled beef or bolognaise pasta.

Jane Staples - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

From Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State, United States, a cool climate Merlot, bright garnet red with lovely strawberry and raspberry aromas. Ripe raspberry palate with slight herbal element. Medium-bodied with soft tannins. A pork chop wine.
Tasted Feb. 2017

Jennifer Havers - WSET Level 3 rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

This wine is a great balance of smooth and spicy. Plush with lots of berry, green earthy notes, dark, ripe fruit and warm spice. A bit smokey on the palate, but with smooth tannins and big fruit and a hint of mocha.. Great balanced acidity and a medium to long finish. Pair with braised beef short ribs.

Sylvain Segard rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

Brilliant deep garnet colour. Aroma of black fruits, leather, cocoa and the freshness of mint. The mouth is full of juicy plums and chocolate, and feels meaty and savoury. The tannins are extra dry and the finish is tart. I suggest decanting at least 30 minutes before a hearty meal of grilled meats or beef stew. Score 87. (S.Segard, reviewed Jan. 16, 2017.)

Simon Chen rated this wine as 86/100 with the following review:

Good value but not a complex wine. Jammy, stewed fruit on the palate, medium body and smooth tannin.

Emilie Ryan rated this wine as 81/100 with the following review:

Presentation: A distinctive, modern label, verging on a dark fairy tale theme
Appearance: Medium to dark ruby colour
Nose: Pronounced aromas, perfume, dark plums, chocolate, herbaceous (mint, eucalyptus)
Taste: Off-dry, medium body, high acidity and tannins, cooked fruit, leather, earth, cedar
Finish: Short, leather finish
Overall impression: A decent wine that would work well with strong cheeses or dark chocolate.
Value: 2.5/5

1 Member would buy this wine again

Jeffrey Smith

If you liked the H3 Columbia Crest Merlot 2014, you might also like these wines:

Top Rated Red Wines

Add bottle and/or label shots for this wine
Wineries and agents: Add notes for this wine
Find this wine in other stores

Recipes for H3 Columbia Crest Merlot 2014

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

SAVE MY SEAT!

Wine of the Week

As featured on

Poggio al Tesoro Red Wine
2021,
Bolgheri, Tuscany D.O.C. ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 333,835 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources. learn more

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,835 strong:

H3 Columbia Crest Merlot 2014 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Pricing & Stock Information

Reviews and Ratings