Reserve Merlot
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 5–12 years from vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Grilled lamb chops, roasted duck, prime rib
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Columbia Crest's Reserve Merlot represents the pinnacle of the winery's red wine program, sourced from premier vineyard blocks within the Columbia Valley—most notably the sun-drenched, wind-swept slopes of the Horse Heaven Hills. Washington State's relationship with Merlot is legendary; the grape thrives in the region's dramatic diurnal temperature shifts, which seal in vibrant acidity while the intense daytime sun coaxes out rich, dark fruit flavors and velvety tannins. This Reserve bottling is crafted using traditional small-lot fermentation and extended aging in select French and American oak barrels. It pays homage to the pioneering spirit of Washington viticulture, proving that the state's terroir can produce world-class Merlot with exceptional structure, depth, and aging potential.
🍾 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.