Shiraz Two Vines
⏳ Drinking Window
Best enjoyed within 1–3 years of vintage release to appreciate its fresh, fruit-forward character.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Barbecued ribs, grilled burgers, roasted pork chops
✨ Technical Specifications
The 'Two Vines' designation from Columbia Crest pays homage to the vineyard canopy method where vines are trained to trellis systems to maximize sun exposure and air circulation, a critical practice in the high-desert climate of Washington's Columbia Valley. This Shiraz represents an approachable, fruit-forward style that highlights the region's signature diurnal temperature shifts—hot, sunny days that fully ripen the grapes followed by cool nights that preserve natural acidity. Crafted for immediate accessibility, the wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel followed by light oak aging to soften its structure. This process yields a plush, crowd-pleasing red that showcases the vibrant, jammy dark fruit character and subtle spice notes that Washington Syrah has become globally recognized for.
🍾 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
Syrah
🍷 ABV
13.5-14.5%