The Columbia Winery is a pioneering Washington state winery. Founded in 1962 as Associated Vintners, the winery has evolved and changed ownership over the years, but still produces fine value reds like this 2018 Merlot. Drawn mostly from vines in the Horse Heaven Hills, the Columbia Merlot shows the roundness and depth one hopes for from this variety. The nose shows plump, ripe blackberry, raspberry and black cherry fruits backed by hints of herbs, cocoa, vanilla and baking spice. Plush and velvety on the palate, it offers layers of lusciously ripe, but not overripe, red and black fruits plus herb, toasty oak, vanilla and spice elements. It’s a fine value that will provide drinking pleasure for another 3 to 5 years.
Columbia Winery, Columbia Valley (Washington) Merlot 2018
By Wayne Belding