Columbia Crest

H3 Horse Heaven Hills Merlot

8.771 ratings
8.32 pro ratings
Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Joe Cox

Production Assistant, Wine Writer

8.0

Not my favorite of the Merlots but an ok drinker.

Not my favorite of the Merlots but an ok drinker.

Sep 6th, 2016
Stephanie

Merlot.... not as dry and bitter as Apothic Inferno. Nice earthy flavor, with nice hit of fruit aftertaste. Nice and smooth aftertaste.

Merlot.... not as dry and bitter as Apothic Inferno. Nice earthy flavor, with nice hit of fruit aftertaste. Nice and smooth aftertaste.

Oct 11th, 2019
Susan Hanners

Dark berry, lighter than normal merlot, lighter on the tannins and pepper. Really interesting

Dark berry, lighter than normal merlot, lighter on the tannins and pepper. Really interesting

Oct 7th, 2018
P A
8.4

An interesting medium bodied, classic New World Merlot reflecting its appellation and the warm dry weather of the Columbia Valley in 2013. Deep garnet in color, it presents full fruit aromas with pronounced blackberry, cherry and chocolate flavors and a hint of cedar. Not as well structured as some may prefer its smooth vanilla finish makes it a pleasure to sip. Should be allowed to breathe and best barbecued beef, sausage or light meats. A good find at $20.00 CAD. Cheers 🍷

An interesting medium bodied, classic New World Merlot reflecting its appellation and the warm dry weather of the Columbia Valley in 2013. Deep garnet in color, it presents full fruit aromas with pronounced blackberry, cherry and chocolate flavors and a hint of cedar. Not as well structured as some may prefer its smooth vanilla finish makes it a pleasure to sip. Should be allowed to breathe and best barbecued beef, sausage or light meats. A good find at $20.00 CAD. Cheers 🍷

Nov 29th, 2017
Sara Jensen

Excellent Merlot will try a later vintage to see how that compares to the 2013.

Excellent Merlot will try a later vintage to see how that compares to the 2013.

Jun 12th, 2017
Michael Netz

Opened H3 2013 & Norton 2012 Reserva to compare and enjoy with friends. Unfortunately, not a blind taste test. I fully expected the Norton Reserva to "out-taste" H3. Wrong. H3 was fruit forward, long finish, complex and in one word " Better." Viva Columbia Crest: you have not disappointed me, ever.

Opened H3 2013 & Norton 2012 Reserva to compare and enjoy with friends. Unfortunately, not a blind taste test. I fully expected the Norton Reserva to "out-taste" H3. Wrong. H3 was fruit forward, long finish, complex and in one word " Better." Viva Columbia Crest: you have not disappointed me, ever.

Mar 19th, 2017
Ann Nguyen Schmidt

Tastes better the second day. First day is a bit rough.

Tastes better the second day. First day is a bit rough.

Dec 13th, 2016
Ryan Frank

2013 vintage - fruit forward with notes of dark fruit, cherries.

2013 vintage - fruit forward with notes of dark fruit, cherries.

Oct 30th, 2016
April Sutton

Smells oakey, rich, grape. Taste - wtf is that ? Way to slap me across my face. Cigars

Smells oakey, rich, grape. Taste - wtf is that ? Way to slap me across my face. Cigars

Oct 13th, 2016
Nicole Ruiz Hudson

Just way too jammy for me and a kinda flabby.

Just way too jammy for me and a kinda flabby.

Sep 22nd, 2016