Columbia Crest Merlot & Pinot Gris Columbia Valley

If you’re still looking for Thanksgiving wines for the big turkey day, I recently sampled three from Columbia Crest that pair beautifully with all those savory Thanksgiving flavors. The two Merlots are loaded with wonderful aromatic spices. The Pinot Gris has delightful tropical fruit flavors and for some of you in the frigid North, you may want to bring a little more summer flavors to your table. Here in Florida, I’m just hoping I don’t have to turn the AC on for the day.

Stemming back to their first release in 1984, Columbia Crest is perhaps the most popular wine label out of Washington state. With four tiers in their portfolio, there’s a wine to match a range of budgets and tastes. Grand Estates, the second tier is priced between $8 - $10 and the highest line, Reserve, varies in price but the Merlot can be found for around $25. The 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was named Wine Spectator’s, the Best Wine in the World in 2009. Now scarce and priced at $50 range, I’ll settle for tasting the Merlot.

2007 Columbia Crest Reserve Merlot, Columbia Valley
Aromas bursting of vanilla, spice, black pepper and black fruits. Creamy and smooth texture and mild tannins make the wine medium bodied. Licorice and blackberry wash over the palate, flavors and tannins are well balanced with a delicate and smooth finish. Pairs superbly with Thanksgiving flavors and its wonderful aromatic side dishes.
Varietal – 82.5% Merlot, 16.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.8% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol – 14.4%
TA – 0.54g/100ml
pH – 3.72
Price - $25
The grapes were crushed with 30% whole berries and aged in 70% French oak and 30% American oak for 25 months.

2007 Columbia Crest Grand Estate Merlot, Columbia Valley
Aromas of clove and spices remind me of the delightful scents coming from my spice cabinet. Short burst of fruit in the front of the palate is followed by more spice flavors. Medium bodied and can definitely stand on it’s own but it’s not a powerhouse red. It’s like Thanksgiving in a glass, would pair well with hard cheeses for appetizers as well the main dish and dessert.
Varietal – 96% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.5% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol – 13.5%
TA – 0.52g/100ml
pH – 3.70
Price – Suggested $12 but can find at most retailers priced between $8 & $10.
Grapes harvested from the Horse Heaven Hills vineyards contribute to texture and body. Grapes from the Wahluke Slope bring aromas and complexity to the table.

2009 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley
Aromas of melon, pineapple and mandarin orange. Flavors burst through with mango, passion fruit, peach and a hint of lime in the finish. Nice, clean and refreshing finish. Would pair wonderfully with appetizers or dessert.
Varietal -91% Pinot Gris, 9% Pinot Blanc
Alcohol – 12.5%
TA – 0.51g/100ml
pH – 3.27
Price – Suggested $12 but again, I’ve seen this in stores priced between $8-$10.
Pinot Gris grapes were picked at around 22 Brix to capture the wines bright, juicy style.
Adding Pinot Blanc to the blend provided more aromatics and enhanced the mouthfeel.

However you choose to celebrate Turkey Day remember to drink what you like. Gone are the days when you pair whites with poultry and reds with red meat only. There are no rights or wrongs, it’s all a matter of taste. I’m serving primarily whites this season, a first actually, but will have a smattering of reds to choose from as well to please all my guests. Cheers!

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.
http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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