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Columbia Crest Winery H3 Merlot 2018 Wine Review

Columbia Crest Winery H3 Merlot 2018

Columbia Crest Winery H3 Merlot 2018

Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States

Community Score:90/100

Community Reviews: 4

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Price: $22.95

Drink: 2022-2025

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 14.5%

Sweetness: Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine


Winery: Columbia Crest Winery

Agent: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.

Natalie's Score: 92/100

From Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley wine region, Columbia Crest H3 2018 Merlot is fantastic value under $20. Full-bodied, rich and smoky with dark plum, mulberry, savoury spice and chocolate flavours silky smooth on the palate. Tannins are rich. The key to this wine's beautiful natural acidity and fresh, ripe fruit is timing. A few weeks prior to the harvest, nighttime temperatures will plummet from 35 degrees during the day to less than 20 degrees at night allowing even ripening conditions on the grapes. Enjoy with a crown pork roast.

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

Delightful Duck Wine

This Columbia Crest Winery H3 Merlot 2018 was reviewed on August 13, 2022 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2021  2019  2017  2016  2015 

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Pricing & Stock Information

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Reviews and Ratings

Jennifer Havers - WSET Level 3 rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Consistently a great option showing great taste and value every year. Aromas of black plum, blackberry, evergreen and forest floor hints, mocha and a touch of black pepper. Full bodied, smooth on the palate, with soft tannins, and medium acidity. Dark berry flavours are rounded and plush, and there are hints of mocha and spice on the finish. Enjoy with grilled meats. This is a lovely Merlot that I would even recommend to those who prefer Cabernet Sauvignon.
Trent Mayers rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

Washington state continues to impress with extremely good reds, especially from the Horse Heaven Hills region. Merlot is often overlooked in favour of the more popular varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon, but this one deserves your attention. It’s a big wine showing blackberry, cassis, blueberry, plum, and sweet coconut vanilla tinged with caramel and smoke. It would work well with steak or grilled sausage with mushrooms and BBQ sauce.
3.5 stars out of 5
Columbia Crest H3 2018 Merlot is great value at $20. Full-bodied, rich and plummy with dried blue florals, cedar brush, cinnamon, clove and pepper spice flavours, smooth and balanced. Tannins are rich and velvety. - Community Wine Reviews

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