Sleek and multilayered, with appealing black cherry, mocha and toasty spice flavors that finish with zesty tannins. Drink now through 2028. – Wine Spectator, 90 Points, “Smart Buy”

Wine Information

Columbia Crest Winery opened its doors in Horse Heaven Hills in 1983. The Horse Heaven Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA) is in southeastern Washington and is part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA. The Horse Heaven Hills AVA borders the Yakima Valley AVA on the north and the Columbia River on the south. Elevations in this AVA range from 200 feet above sea level in the south to 1,800 feet above sea level at the northern boundary. Grapes planted in the south-facing slopes of the Horse Heaven Hills benefit from strong winds that arrive from the west via the Columbia Gorge, reducing the likelihood of vineyard diseases.

The Columbia Crest H3 line of wines was created to celebrate the winery’s rich heritage in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA as well as its innovative spirit with regard to winemaking and viticulture practices.  The line currently has 6 wines (Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a red blend).

Columbia Crest is committed to excellence in the vineyard and in the cellar. Juan Muñoz Oca became head winemaker in 2011, after being in the winery since 2003. He was raised in Argentina where he grew up alongside his grandfather, who was the cellar master at Bodegas Toro.

Grapes were sourced from local family farms. During harvest and receiving, the grapes were gently destemmed and sorted to ensure clean fruit going into the fermenters. Fermentation took place in stainless steel. The wine was aged in new French and American oak, and neutral barrels with a small portion aged in concrete to add complexity to wine.

Charcuterie, Cheese, Grilled preparations, Hearty stew, Mexican, Mushrooms, Pizza, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Tomato Sauce