Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot

Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot is a 100% Merlot from Washington's Columbia Valley, bottled at 13.5% ABV in 750ml. Aged 10–11 months in French and American oak, this expression earned a Silver medal at the Sommelier Wine Awards (2019 vintage) and has drawn praise from Wine Enthusiast for punching well above its weight class.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA  |  100% Merlot  |  Producer: Columbia Crest (Ste. Michelle Wine Estates)

Production & Heritage

Columbia Crest, part of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, operates from one of Washington State's most prolific winemaking regions in the Columbia Valley. The "Two Vines" name refers to the bilateral trellising system used in the vineyards, a technique that positions grape clusters to receive optimal sun exposure for even ripening. Fermentation takes place over 7–10 days on the skins, followed by malolactic fermentation in both stainless steel tanks and oak barrels, before the wine rests for 10–11 months in older French and American oak — a restrained approach that lets fruit character lead rather than heavy oak influence.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe raspberry and strawberry greet the nose first, followed by deeper layers of blueberry and black currant. Subtle undertones of vanilla and toasted oak develop with time in the glass.

Taste: The entry is soft and fruit-forward, with generous black cherry and blackberry flavors filling the mid-palate. As it opens up, touches of cocoa, baking spice, and a thread of black tea add complexity without overwhelming the fruit core. Tannins are notably gentle, giving the wine a round, medium-to-full body.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length, with lingering notes of tobacco, clove, and dark chocolate that fade gradually. A clean, balanced close keeps the wine approachable and food-friendly.

How to Drink Two Vines Merlot

This Merlot drinks well at a slight chill — around 60–65°F — and benefits from 10–15 minutes of breathing time, either in the glass or a decanter. It works in a straightforward pour neat, but its soft tannins and berry character also translate easily into wine-based drinks. Try it in a classic Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola over ice) for a casual warm-weather serve. It performs nicely in a Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a twist of orange, keeping the cherry fruit front and center. For a more composed cocktail, use it as the base of a New York Sour, where its dark fruit and spice stand up to bourbon and lemon.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want a reliable red without overthinking it
• Introducing someone new to Washington State wines
• Stocking a house-pour red for casual entertaining
• Building a mixed case of everyday reds under a tight budget

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Two Vines Merlot taste like? It leads with ripe black cherry and blackberry fruit, supported by soft tannins and subtle notes of cocoa, vanilla, and baking spice. The overall profile is smooth, fruit-driven, and easy to drink.

How does Two Vines Merlot compare to a similarly priced Argentine Malbec? Both deliver dark, velvety fruit with soft tannins and medium-to-full body, but the Two Vines Merlot leans more toward red cherry and cocoa, while Argentine Malbec at a comparable tier tends to show deeper plum and violet notes. The Merlot's oak influence is more restrained, giving it a lighter, more immediately approachable feel.

Is Two Vines Merlot good for beginners? Absolutely — its soft tannins, generous fruit, and balanced structure make it one of the more accessible reds in its price range. Multiple sommeliers have described it as "easy to drink" with good balance.

Where is Two Vines Merlot made? It is produced by Columbia Crest in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington State, one of the largest and most important wine-growing regions in the Pacific Northwest. Columbia Crest is owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

What foods pair well with Two Vines Merlot? Grilled hamburgers complement the wine's smoky berry fruit. Roasted chicken thighs with herbs echo its soft spice notes. Pasta with marinara or bolognese sauce mirrors the wine's red-fruit character. Semi-firm cheeses like Gouda or aged cheddar match its gentle tannins. Mushroom risotto draws out the wine's earthy, cocoa-laced undertones.

What sizes does Two Vines Merlot come in? The standard format is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available size.

Is Two Vines Merlot worth the price? Two Vines Merlot positions firmly in the entry-level value tier, and Wine Enthusiast notably stated of a prior vintage that it would be "hard to find a better $8 Merlot anywhere." For the quality of fruit and oak treatment delivered, it consistently outperforms expectations at its price point.

Why Two Vines Merlot?

The bilateral trellising technique that gives the Two Vines line its name is more than a branding story — it directly influences how evenly the Merlot grapes ripen under the long Columbia Valley sun, contributing to the wine's reliable fruit intensity vintage after vintage. The restrained use of older French and American oak barrels allows varietal character to dominate rather than wood tannin, a production choice that distinguishes it from many competitors at the same price. A Silver medal at the Sommelier Wine Awards and consistent critical praise confirm that this is not just an inexpensive red, but a genuinely well-made one. For anyone building a cellar of dependable everyday wines, Two Vines Merlot earns its spot on the short list.