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Columbia Crest H3 Red Blend Les Chevaux 2012

Wine Spectator rated the 2012 H3 Les Chaveaux Red Wine at 90 points and Wine Enthusiast rated it as a best buy at 91 points.  I have read online that some were buying this wine at Costco, but I had not found it at my local store until this week.  When I found a stack of H3 Red at Costco, I added a couple of bottles into the cart.

I do not know of any winemaker that has more highly rated wines priced under $15 than Columbia Crest.  Both the Grand Estates and H3 lines have extraordinary wines at friendly prices.  In addition, the 2012 growing season resulted in great red wines in the Columbia Valley.

H3 Les Cheveaux Red 2012 is a blend of 60% Syrah, 27% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Viognier, 2% Malbec and 3% other varietals.  The grapes were grown in Horse Heaven Hills vineyards east of the Cascades Mountain range in southern Washington.  The wine is aged in American and French oak for 18 months.  The wine has 14.5% alcohol.

I found this wine to be easy to drink, even without food.  The flavors are dark berries with mild tannins.  I think this wine would pair best with beef dishes that incorporate multiple flavors such as a stew.

We really enjoyed this wine. The wine is $10.99 at both Costco and Total Wines.  Since the Total Wines price does not end in 7, you may be able to use a coupon and get it for even less.

SC Wine Joe rating = 90 points










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