BULK BUY!
95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington.
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SRP of $12 and available widely for as low as $7-$8. Sample submitted for review.
From the bottle:
"At Columbia Crest, we combine artisan winemaking with the best vineyards in the Columbia Valley to craft world-class wines of outstanding quality and value. With layers of complexity and a rich aromatic profile, our Merlot delivers exceptional fruit flavors and a velvety-smooth texture.
13.5% Alcohol"
The 2012 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot begins with pleasant aromas of black cherry, plum and blackberry plus a little cola, chocolate and spice. Tasting the medium-bodied wine shows similar flavors to the nose with perhaps a bit more berry fruit. Those cola, chocolate and spice notes continue in the mouth along with vanilla and hints of coffee that lead into the finish of this very, very smooth wine. It ends long, dry and a bit dusty and earthy. This extremely tasty wine was aged in 1/3 new oak for 14 months, which is rather crazy considering it sells for around $8!
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.