Walter Clore Private Reserve
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 5–15 years from vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted rack of lamb, grilled ribeye steak, aged cheddar
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Named in honor of Dr. Walter Clore, revered as the 'Father of Washington Wine' for his pioneering research into viticulture in the state, this reserve bottling represents the pinnacle of Columbia Crest's winemaking. Dr. Clore's mid-20th-century trials proved that vinifera grapes could thrive in the Columbia Valley, paving the way for the modern industry. Crafted as a classic Bordeaux-style blend, this wine showcases the unique terroir of the Columbia Valley, where warm, sunny days and cool desert nights preserve acidity while developing rich, concentrated fruit. The wine is typically aged in French and American oak barrels, resulting in a structured, velvety red with deep layers of dark fruit, cocoa, and refined 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.