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

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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

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Pricing & Stock Information

LCBO
209874
$22.95
801 bottles

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BCLDB
752063
$18.25
1,422 bottles

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Kamloops Columbia Place

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Fort Street

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Parksville North

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11881966
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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

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H3 Columbia Crest Merlot 2014 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Pricing & Stock Information

Reviews and Ratings