Columbia Crest - H3 Merlot

                   

Name: Columbia Crest - H3 Merlot
Varietal: 86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Horse Heaven Hills, Washington
Country: United States
Year: 2019
Price: $15.95

Vintage Cellar Review: This medium-bodied Merlot delivers aromas of spice, plum and blackberry with the perfect balance of earth, cocoa and ripe black cherry notes on the palate. The complex flavors are followed by a smooth, velvety finish. - 90

Flavors/Aromas: (Pg. 132) Merlot is obviously popular worldwide, but is quite notable in the Columbia Valley of Washington state, with its wines featuring sweet fruit flavors like black cherry and boysenberry; higher acidity and lighter bodies; and notes of chocolate cream, violet, and mint.

My Review: Given that this is my final regular blog for this class, I knew there was one major varietal I had yet to discuss. Merlot is something I have been anxious to try given the dubious reputation it has developed in recent years, but I am really glad that I gave this bottle a go. Smelling it brought about aromas of blackberry, spice, and a bit of chocolate, and an understated black cherry flavor got added upon oral entry. Later tastes revealed notes of plum, cocoa-vanilla, and herbality, with lower tannins helping everything to flow easier. For a wine that has gotten so much flak for only being worthwhile with food, this was pretty darn good on its own!

Food Pairing: I obviously had to pair this Merlot with something, and the victim this time was a sausage, mushroom, and jalepeño pizza from Domino's. Combining the two let the tomato sauce become way more vibrant, as the tannins somewhat slipped away for a chocolate cherry surprise. Even the spiciness seemed sweet!

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