Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2013

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot from 2012 has been my most purchased wine in the past year. It was wine that I rated at 89 points (some readers of this blog rated it even higher) and I could buy it for under $7 at either Costco or Total Wines and More. I credited the fantastic 2012 vintage year for red wines in the Columbia Valley for much of the success of this great wine value. Now, we have to move on since the 2013 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot is on the store shelves. The 2013 vintage for red wines in the Columbia Valley is another great vintage,- rated far above average, but not as superb as 2012.

The 2013 Grand Estates Merlot is again a rich flavored, full bodied Merlot. It is a very deep dark color. Besides the usual dark berry flavor, there is licorice and a little cola. This is an outstanding wine, even better than 2012 and the price is still $6.99 at Costco. I will buy a lot of this in the next year!

SC Wine Joe rating = 90 points

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