(Columbia Crest H3 Merlot Horse Heaven Hills) Aromatics of dust, vanilla, oak spice, cassis, berries, and cherries. American oak aromas of coconut occasionally come to the fore. On the palate, pretty tightly wound up at present. Ramps up slowly before opening up and smoothing out with silky oak flavors. A lot of wine for the money but not for those who don’t like a fair amount of wood on their wine. Has a long life ahead of it. 92% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and a "kiss" of Syrah. Aged 14-18 months in French and American oak (33% new). 14.5% alcohol. 40,000 cases produced.
(Columbia Crest Merlot H3) Dark purple red violet color; redolent red plum, ripe berry, oak nose; tight, ripe plum, black fruit, berry, cedar palate, needs 2 years; short-medium finish
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By Sean Sullivan
(Columbia Crest H3 Merlot Horse Heaven Hills) Aromatics of dust, vanilla, oak spice, cassis, berries, and cherries. American oak aromas of coconut occasionally come to the fore. On the palate, pretty tightly wound up at present. Ramps up slowly before opening up and smoothing out with silky oak flavors. A lot of wine for the money but not for those who don’t like a fair amount of wood on their wine. Has a long life ahead of it. 92% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and a "kiss" of Syrah. Aged 14-18 months in French and American oak (33% new). 14.5% alcohol. 40,000 cases produced.3/2/2011, (See more on Washington Wine Report...) *** 1/2 points