Columbia Crest H3 Red Blend

Columbia Crest H3 Red Blend is a 750ml Washington State red wine from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, bottled at approximately 14.5% ABV. The H3 line earned 90 points from Wine Spectator for the 2013 vintage, establishing it as a respected value-driven red blend from one of Washington's most distinctive growing regions.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Red Blend (Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon — proportions vary by vintage)  |  Winery: Columbia Crest

Production & Heritage

Columbia Crest, part of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, farms extensively in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, a region defined by basalt and bedrock terroir along the Columbia River. Persistent winds — roughly 30% stronger than surrounding areas due to pressure changes along the river corridor — moderate temperatures, toughen grape skins, and reduce disease pressure, yielding fruit of notable concentration. The H3 designation references the Horse Heaven Hills appellation itself; the blend typically centers on Syrah and Merlot (the 2019 vintage, for example, ran 53% Syrah and 40% Merlot), though proportions shift vintage to vintage to capture the best expression of each harvest.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rose petals and dark fruit lead, followed by layers of blackberry, mint, and subtle green herb. A touch of vanilla emerges as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is generous with cherry and red plum, moving into richer currant and raspberry jam flavors at mid-palate. Blue fruit, chocolate, and coffee notes build toward the peak, with soft, plum-like weight coating the palate from end to end.

Finish: Smooth tannins frame a vibrant, moderately lingering finish. There is a gentle sweetness on the close, with dark fruit and a trace of cocoa trailing off cleanly.

How to Drink H3 Red Blend

This wine drinks well at cellar temperature (around 60–65°F) with no decanting required, though 20 minutes of air can further soften the tannins. Its fruit-forward structure also works in wine-based mixed drinks:

• Kalimotxo — the wine's dark fruit and soft tannins balance cola's sweetness without losing character.
• Red Wine Sangria — cherry and plum notes amplify seasonal fruit garnishes like sliced peach and orange.
• New York Sour — floated over a whiskey sour, the blend's berry richness adds visual drama and flavor depth.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want something reliable and crowd-pleasing
• Introducing someone to Washington State red wines
• Pairing with grilled meats at a backyard cookout
• Building a mixed case of approachable New World reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does H3 Red Blend taste like? It leads with ripe cherry, red plum, and currant flavors, followed by darker notes of blue fruit, chocolate, and coffee. Smooth tannins and a vibrant finish keep it balanced and easy to drink.

How does H3 Red Blend compare to 14 Hands Hot to Trot Red Blend? Both are value-priced Washington State red blends, but H3 sources exclusively from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, while Hot to Trot draws from broader Columbia Valley vineyards. H3 tends to show more Syrah-driven dark fruit and structure, whereas Hot to Trot typically leans on Merlot for a softer, rounder profile.

Is H3 Red Blend good for sipping on its own? Yes — its generous fruit, moderate tannins, and balanced acidity make it an approachable wine to enjoy by the glass without food, particularly when served slightly below room temperature.

Where is H3 Red Blend made? Columbia Crest produces H3 Red Blend from vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, a sub-appellation of Washington's Columbia Valley located along the northern bank of the Columbia River in the southern part of the state.

What foods pair well with H3 Red Blend? Grilled lamb chops work well with the wine's Syrah backbone; beef short ribs match its dark fruit weight; roasted portobello mushrooms echo its earthy undertones; aged cheddar complements the soft tannins; and herb-crusted pork tenderloin aligns with its subtle green herb aromas.

What sizes does H3 Red Blend come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is H3 Red Blend worth the price? H3 positions as a strong entry-level to mid-range Washington red blend, and its 90-point Wine Spectator score on the 2013 vintage suggests quality that routinely punches above its price tier.

Why H3 Red Blend?

The Horse Heaven Hills AVA remains one of Washington's most compelling growing regions, and H3 translates that terroir — wind-battered vines on basalt soils — into an accessible bottle without oversimplifying the fruit. A 90-point Wine Spectator rating and silver medals from both TEXSOM International Wine Awards and the International Wine & Spirit Competition confirm consistent critical recognition across multiple vintages. The Syrah-Merlot core gives it more backbone than many red blends at this price point, while the vintage-to-vintage blending flexibility allows the winemaking team to respond to what each harvest delivers. For drinkers exploring Washington reds beyond Cabernet Sauvignon, H3 is a direct and honest introduction to what Horse Heaven Hills can do.