Community Reviews
There are 7 user submitted reviews for this wine.
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.
rated this wine as
91/100 with the following review:
Columbia Crest's H3 (named after Horse Heaven Hills appellation in Washington state) Merlot is a welcome addition to my list of affordably priced but delicious wines. Aromas of blueberries, plums, dark cherries with chocolate, cedar and baking spices are also apparent on the palate. Herbs and leather on the finish. Dry, medium bodied. Tannins are somewhat more pronounced than other examples of this varietal but still very smooth. I would pair this Merlot with roast pork, poulty or game meats like venison.
Matt Steeves 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
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/
Monique Sosa 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 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!
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.
Natalie's Review
H3 Columbia Crest Merlot 2013, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State, United States: 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. Drink: 2013-2019. 209874 14.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 92/100. January 27, 2017 Top Rated Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review
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