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Columbia Crest H3 Merlot 2016 Wine Review

Columbia Crest H3 Merlot 2016

Columbia Crest H3 Merlot 2016

Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States

Community Score:90/100

Community Reviews: 5

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Price: $22.95

Drink: 2022-2024

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 14.5%

Sweetness: Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine


Winery: Columbia Crest

Agent: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.

Natalie's Score: 92/100

The difference between daytime and night time temperatures in this eastern Washington state wine region is the reason why Merlots like this one are terrific and they can be even more rich and intense than their Cabernet Sauvignon based wines. H3 is a good example of a big, bold, juicy and full-bodied Merlot from this area with ripe dark cherry, plum compote, earthy florals and vanilla flavours on the palate. Pair with a pork tenderloin from the grill.

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

Plush Pork Wine

This Columbia Crest H3 Merlot 2016 was reviewed on April 1, 2020 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2021  2019  2018  2017  2015 

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Pricing & Stock Information

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Eglinton & Laird27 Add
Yonge & Summerhill27 Add
North Service & Dorval27 Add
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Vernon24 Add
Whistler Marketplace23 Add
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Reviews and Ratings

Andrew Bernardo rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

I liked this wine so much I served it at my wedding, and it was a perfect pairing with seared beef tenderloin with brown butter and roasted garlic potatoes. There's so much going on in the wine, with the core of cassis, ripe black plum and black briars enveloped by warm spice, milk chocolate, Kenya AA coffee and vanilla notes. Dangerously smooth, but enough mouthwatering acidity to keep it fresh. 91 Points.
Jennifer Havers - WSET Level 3 rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Always a great price and great value. This Washington State Merlot is on the more soft, sultry scale, as opposed to some more firm, structured Old World styles. This wine is lovely in its style, with aromas of red plum, bramble, mocha and vanilla with a hint of warm spice. Full bodied and smooth on the palate with medium acidity and some soft tannins. Fruit on the palate is luscious and ripe with more vanilla and spice on the long finish. Enjoy with slow braised meat dishes.
The Merlot wine grapes grow, for Columbia Crest's H3 are sourced from Horse Heaven Hills Columbia Valley, Washington. 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. H3 Merlot is full-bodied and smoky with dark plum, mulberry, dark chocolate and savoury spice flavours on the palate . Great value under $20 on the robust 2016 Merlot. - Community Wine Reviews

1 Member would buy this wine again

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