H3 Merlot
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 3–8 years from vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Grilled flank steak, roasted duck, rosemary-crusted lamb chops
✨ Technical Specifications
The H3 Merlot from Columbia Crest is a tribute to the unique terroir of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA in Washington State. The name 'Horse Heaven Hills' itself dates back to 1857, when pioneer James Kinney gazed upon the pristine, wind-swept landscape and declared it 'horse heaven.' This rugged region, bordered by the Columbia River, experiences strong winds and dramatic temperature shifts that thicken grape skins and concentrate flavors. The H3 Merlot showcases this distinctive terroir, offering a velvety texture, robust structure, and rich dark fruit character. Crafted with modern gravity-flow methods and aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, this wine beautifully balances the power of Washington fruit with refined, supple tannins.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1983 in Paterson along the sun-drenched banks of the Columbia River, Columbia Crest has played a pivotal role in establishing Washington State as a premier world-class wine region. Situated in the heart of the Columbia Valley and Horse Heaven Hills, the estate benefits from ideal growing conditions characterized by warm diurnal shifts and well-draining soils. The winery focuses on precision viticulture and modern cellar craft to produce wines of remarkable consistency, depth, and accessibility. Columbia Crest is celebrated for its rich, structured Cabernet Sauvignon, plush Merlot, and vibrant Chardonnay, featured prominently across acclaimed ranges such as Grand Estates, H3, and the flagship Walter Clore Private Reserve.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Merlot
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
14.0-14.5%