H3 Merlot
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–8 years from vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Grilled flank steak, roasted duck, rosemary-crusted lamb chops
✨ wine.spec_sheet
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.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Established in 1983 in Paterson, Washington, along the banks of the Columbia River, Columbia Crest is one of the Pacific Northwest's most significant and celebrated wineries. Owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the winery operates a state-of-the-art facility in the Columbia Valley, combining modern gravity-flow techniques with traditional oak barrel aging. Columbia Crest is renowned for delivering exceptional quality and value, showcasing the region's unique terroir through its Grand Estates, H3, and Two Vines series. Their signature expressions include robust Cabernet Sauvignon, velvety Merlot, and the prestigious Walter Clore Private Reserve, which honors the pioneer of Washington viticulture. This dedication to craft has cemented their reputation as a benchmark producer of Washington State wine on the global stage.