Merlot Two Vines
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed within 1–3 years of vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Grilled pork chops, roasted chicken, pasta with marinara sauce
✨ Technical Specifications
The 'Two Vines' designation from Columbia Crest pays homage to a classic vineyard trellising method where two vines are trained to grow along a single wire, maximizing their exposure to the generous Washington State sunshine while maintaining excellent canopy airflow. Sourced from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Columbia Valley, this Merlot benefits from the dramatic rain shadow effect of the Cascade Mountains, which creates a semi-arid climate with warm, bright days and crisp, cool nights. This diurnal temperature swing allows the grapes to develop lush, ripe fruit flavors while preserving a vibrant natural acidity. Crafted in an approachable, fruit-forward style, the wine undergoes traditional fermentation and light oak aging to soften its tannins, resulting in a velvety, easy-drinking red that captures the friendly, inviting side of Washington viticulture.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1982 by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Columbia Crest was the pioneer winery founded within what is now the acclaimed Horse Heaven Hills AVA of eastern Washington. Situated along the benchlands above the Columbia River, the estate takes full advantage of a semi-arid, rain-shadowed microclimate marked by intense summer sunshine, constant river breezes that deter frost and pests, and fast-draining, wind-blown Warden silt loam soils. Initial plantings in 1978 and early winemaking under founding cellar master Doug Gore established the winery's benchmark status for reliable varietal purity and commercial scale. The production regimen bridges large-scale precision with small-lot barrel fermentation and French and American oak aging. Columbia Crest cemented its reputation when its 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon won Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year. Today, the estate produces tiered selections ranging from the everyday Two Vines and Grand Estates labels to vineyard-driven Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay expressions.
🍇 Grapes
Merlot
🍷 ABV
13.5%