Columbia Crest H3 Merlot

Columbia Crest H3 Merlot is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV Washington State Merlot sourced predominantly from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA in Columbia Valley. The 2013 vintage earned a 90-point score from Wine Spectator, and the 2007 vintage was recognized on Wine Spectator's prestigious Top 100 Wines of the Year list — placing this label firmly among Washington's most respected Merlots at its price point.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Varietal: Merlot  |  Producer: Columbia Crest

Production & Heritage

Columbia Crest draws approximately 95% of its fruit from local family farms in the Horse Heaven Hills, with winemakers collaborating closely with growers to manage vine health and optimize ripeness. The "H3" designation refers to Horse Heaven Hills, the wind-swept AVA known for warm days, cool nights, and consistently ripe red fruit. The majority of the wine undergoes 20 months of aging in a combination of new and older French and American oak barrels, building structure and layered complexity while preserving varietal character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark plum and ripe blackberry lead the nose, followed by layers of black pepper, raspberry, and an earthy undertone. A subtle vanilla note from oak aging rounds out the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is smooth and fruit-forward, with pitted dark cherry and plum preserves arriving on a silky mid-palate. As the wine opens, cocoa and chocolate-covered cherry flavors emerge alongside gentle oak spice, adding depth without overwhelming the fruit core.

Finish: Medium to long, with a velvety texture and lingering notes of baking spice and ripe berry. The tannins are polished and integrated, closing with an elegant restraint that invites another sip.

How to Drink H3 Merlot

This Merlot shows best at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, poured into a large-bowled glass that lets the aromatics develop. Decanting for 20–30 minutes helps the fruit and oak harmonize. While primarily a food wine, it stands well on its own. For cocktail-adjacent applications, H3 Merlot works in a Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola over ice) for a casual summer pour, a New York Sour where the red wine float benefits from the dark fruit and spice, or a classic Sangria where the plum and cherry notes pair naturally with fresh citrus and stone fruit.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring grilled red meats or hearty pasta
• Introducing someone to premium Washington State Merlot
• Hosting a blind tasting of Columbia Valley reds
• Gifting a wine drinker who appreciates fruit-driven, oak-aged reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does H3 Merlot taste like? H3 Merlot delivers ripe dark cherry, plum, and cocoa flavors on a silky, medium-bodied palate, with subtle oak spice and a smooth, velvety finish.

How does H3 Merlot compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot? Both are widely available Columbia Valley Merlots, but H3 sources predominantly from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA and spends up to 20 months in oak, often resulting in a richer, more structured wine. Chateau Ste. Michelle's Columbia Valley Merlot tends toward a softer, more immediately approachable style with slightly less oak influence.

Is H3 Merlot good for everyday drinking? Yes — its approachable fruit character, moderate tannins, and smooth finish make it a reliable pour for casual meals and relaxed evenings without sacrificing depth or complexity.

Where is H3 Merlot made? H3 Merlot is produced by Columbia Crest in Washington State, with fruit sourced primarily from family-owned vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA within the larger Columbia Valley region.

What foods pair well with H3 Merlot? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's earthy, peppery notes. Braised short ribs mirror its dark fruit and oak depth. Aged cheddar or Gouda highlight the cocoa undertones. Mushroom risotto echoes the earthy aromatics. Dark chocolate desserts extend the finish naturally.

What sizes does H3 Merlot come in? H3 Merlot is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is H3 Merlot worth the price? H3 Merlot positions as an accessible, mid-range Washington Merlot that consistently punches above its weight — the Wine Spectator 90-point score on the 2013 vintage and Top 100 recognition for the 2007 vintage signal quality that outperforms many wines at a similar tier.

Why H3 Merlot?

Few Washington Merlots at this price tier carry a Wine Spectator Top 100 selection on their résumé. The 20-month aging program in French and American oak gives H3 a structural complexity that distinguishes it from lighter, fruit-only Merlots in the category. The Horse Heaven Hills sourcing — with its wind-exposed slopes and dramatic diurnal temperature swings — produces grapes with concentrated flavor and natural acidity, lending the finished wine both richness and balance. For drinkers exploring what Washington State Merlot can achieve without a premium price tag, H3 makes a compelling case.