Boise Coop Wine Shop

Columbia Crest

• January 10, 2012

Get reacquainted with a Northwest icon famous for offering top quality wines at bargain basement prices since 1984. Columbia Crest was one of the first wineries to pioneer vinifera grape growing in Washington state. Today, they are a leader in viticultural research and sustainability. Their mantra is that environmental stewardship and responsible practices in the vineyards and winemaking facilities not only helps to make the best quality wines possible, but they are the right things to do.

“The perfect grape-growing climate, the best viticultural practices, and a people committed to crafting the best bottle of wine vintage after vintage is what Columbia Crest’s winemaking is all about.” – Juan Muñoz Oca, Head Winemaker

2010 Columbia Crest Two Vines Gewurztraminer, $6.49
With over 42 “Best Buy” / “Best Value” designations in the last five years, Two Vines delivers a style that exhibits richer flavors, brighter color and an expression of fruit that’s perfect for everyday enjoyment. This wine offers the typical Gewϋrztraminer aromas of rose water, spice and lychee fuse with notes of fragrant orange peel. Upfront, candied fruit flavors give way to a pink grapefruit essence, finishing with bright acidity that balances the wine’s subtle sweetness.

2010 Columbia Crest Two Vines Sauvignon Blanc, $6.49
This fresh, lively Sauvignon Blanc opens with aromas of lemon zest, honeydew melon, dried herbs and a hint of freshly cut grass which are typical notes of the variety. Juicy fl avors of melon, gooseberry and kiwi end with a lengthy, bright citrus-like finish.

2009 Columbia Crest Grand Estate Merlot, $9.99
Aromas of vanilla bean, coffee bean, and mocha introduce this classic Merlot. Dark chocolate covered cherries, caramel and nutmeg flavors meld with silky tannins and create a long and elegant finish. Five percent each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in this wine add structure and depth.

2009 Columbia Crest H3 Le Chevaux Red Blend, $12.99
From Horse Heaven Hills vineyards (H3), “Les Chevaux” is French for “the horses,” a reference to the wild horses that once roamed this region. “Aromas of fresh blueberries, anise and earth lead to firm and supple tannins on the palate. This red wine blend presents incredible depth, with layered flavors of candied nuts, licorice and dark chocolate that lead to a mocha finish featuring ample, sweet tannins.” Juan Munoz Oca

2006 Columbia Crest Walter Clore Red, $24.00
The Walter Clore Private Reserve is a unique blend of traditional Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) and represents the pinnacle of winemaking mastery at Columbia Crest. Aged in the finest French and American oak barrels and blended to express the terroir of the most premium vineyard sites, the Walter Clore is a wine that is easily worthy of aging for 10+ years.