Columbia Crest Grand Estates Red Blend 2013

I wanted to compare the Columbia Crest Grand Estates Red Blend with the 2012 Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills Red Blend that I blogged about two weeks ago. I found the 2013 Grand Estates Red Blend at Total Wines for $9.49 and with a coupon actually paid less than $8. We tasted both wines back and forth for a comparison.

The Grand Estates Red Blend is primarily Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon while the H3 Red Blend is primarily Syrah and Merlot. Grand Estates Red has an alcohol content of 13.5% compared to H3 Red's 14.5%. As you might expect from the blends, the H3 is a lighter, fruitier wine while the Grand Estates is darker fruit with flavors of licorice and caramel. I think there are more varied flavors in the H3 and I like the H3 better than the Grand Estates Red.

SC Wine Joe rating for Grand Estates Red Blend 2013 = 88 points
SC Wine Joe rating for H3 Horse Heaven Hills Red Blend 2012 = 90 points

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