Reserve Merlot
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 5–12 years from vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Grilled lamb chops, roasted duck, prime rib
✨ Technical Specifications
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.
🍾 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)
14.0-15.0%