Date Tasted: 2/16/13
Price: Suggested Retail is $15.00 (purchased for $12.00)
From The Winery: 14.5% alcohol. 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc. Horse Heaven Hills AVA.
Impressions/Notes: Columbia Crest produces six wines under it’s H3 label–a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Les Chevaux Red Blend, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc–all hailing from Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Each wine is priced at a budget-friendly $15.00. The 2010 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon is easy-drinking, food-friendly, and a very good buy at this price point. The wine started off a little bit slow, with pickle barrel dominating the nose, but this quickly faded to reveal aromas of black and red fruits (red currant, blackberry), cedar, vanilla, toasted coconut, and brown sugar. It’s medium bodied, with firm acidity and light tannins, and did I mention it’s easy-drinking?
Rating: Recommended (87), 4/5 Value
Nick, I have mixed feelings about Columbia crest red wines, and having tasted several, it was the H3 Red that has created this ambivalence; I do have this Cabernet in the cellar, but haven’t been motivated to open it; maybe now I’ll be more motivated.
Thanks for the thoughtful review,
Dennis
Dennis,
It sounds like you have more experience than I with their wines–I’ve only tried the last two vintages of the H3 Cab. Both have been pretty solid $15 wines. Have you tried any of the H3 whites and if so, what did you think?
Thanks,
Nick
Nick, no, but I believe I have the H3 Chardonnay in the cellar waiting for an occasion.