Columbia Crest Two Vines Shiraz

Columbia Crest Two Vines Shiraz is a 100% Syrah/Shiraz from Washington's Columbia Valley, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Scoring up to 88 points from Wine Spectator, this fruit-forward red stands out among value-tier American Shiraz for its ripe berry intensity and polished structure.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Varietal: 100% Shiraz/Syrah  |  Winery: Columbia Crest

Production & Heritage

Columbia Crest was established in 1983 in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA of Washington's Columbia Valley, releasing its first wines in 1984. The winery has since become one of Washington State's most recognized producers. The Two Vines line takes its name from a bilateral trellising system that positions grape clusters for optimal sun exposure, encouraging full ripeness and richer color development. After hand harvesting, the grapes are pressed and fermented in small wood vessels at controlled temperatures — a method that preserves fresh fruit character while integrating gentle oak influence.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberry and dark cherry, followed by touches of white pepper and a subtle smoky quality. A thread of vanilla emerges as the wine opens up in the glass.

Taste: On entry, concentrated plum and fresh berry flavors arrive with a jammy, fruit-forward quality. The mid-palate introduces chocolate and cocoa nuances, woven through with gentle white pepper spice. The mouthfeel is full and round, with a polished texture that keeps the wine approachable despite its density.

Finish: The finish is supple and lingering, with vanilla and blueberry notes trailing off cleanly. There is no harsh tannin grip — just a soft, warm close that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Two Vines Shiraz

This Shiraz drinks well at a slight chill — around 60–65°F — either on its own or alongside food. Its generous fruit and soft tannins make it versatile across several classic cocktail and wine-drink formats.

• Kalimotxo: The wine's jammy sweetness and low tannin hold up well against cola without becoming bitter.
• Red Wine Sangria: Ripe berry and vanilla notes provide a natural base for citrus and stone fruit additions.
• Mulled Wine: The chocolate and pepper spice in this Shiraz complement warm-spice mulling blends of cinnamon and clove.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want a reliable, food-friendly red
• Introducing someone to Washington State Shiraz
• Casual backyard grilling with burgers or ribs
• Building a budget-friendly wine collection with New World reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Two Vines Shiraz taste like? This wine leads with ripe blackberry, plum, and dark cherry flavors, supported by white pepper, chocolate, and a hint of vanilla from its oak fermentation. The overall profile is fruit-forward and jammy with a soft, lingering finish.

How does Two Vines Shiraz compare to Australian Shiraz? Both share the ripe, fruit-driven character typical of warm-climate Syrah, but Two Vines leans toward a cleaner, more polished berry profile rather than the earthier, more tannic style found in many Barossa or McLaren Vale bottlings. Washington's cooler nights also tend to preserve a brighter acidity.

Is Two Vines Shiraz good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, generous fruit, and approachable sweetness make it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring red wine or the Shiraz/Syrah grape specifically.

Where is Two Vines Shiraz made? Columbia Crest Two Vines Shiraz is produced at the Columbia Crest winery in Paterson, Washington, within the Horse Heaven Hills AVA of the larger Columbia Valley wine region.

What foods pair well with Two Vines Shiraz? Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's peppery spice. Barbecue ribs match its smoky, jammy fruit. Aged cheddar mirrors its vanilla and cocoa undertones. Mushroom risotto complements the wine's soft tannin and earthy hints. Dark chocolate desserts echo the cocoa notes on the finish.

What sizes does Two Vines Shiraz come in? Columbia Crest Two Vines Shiraz is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Two Vines Shiraz worth the price? Two Vines positions as an entry-level expression within the Columbia Crest portfolio, delivering a level of fruit concentration and polish — reflected in its Wine Spectator scores — that competes favorably against other value-tier Shiraz options from both the United States and Australia.

Why Two Vines Shiraz?

Columbia Crest's bilateral trellising method is not merely a branding detail — it directly impacts grape ripeness and color extraction, giving this wine a depth that belies its value positioning. Multiple vintages have earned scores from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, with the 2012 vintage reaching 88 points from Wine Spectator. For a Washington Shiraz at this tier, that critical recognition is uncommon. The combination of ripe fruit, controlled oak fermentation, and consistent vintage-to-vintage quality makes Two Vines a benchmark for accessible American Syrah.