Style Heavy red New World Country USA (WA) Price $11
Vintage tasted 2007 Grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah
Website www.columbiacrest.com

Overview Columbia Crest is Washington State’s mass-market powerhouse (and a perennial Wine Trialsfavorite), with a portfolio that includes four different lines of wines. This year three wines made the cut—two from the lower-priced Two Vines brand, plus this Cab from the slightly pricier Grand Estates portfolio. While Grand Estates wines have been overbearing in the past, this bottle hits a great spot between rich flavors and restraint.

Nose Ripe fruit, eucalyptus, earth, and green pepper were all hits with our blind tasters.

Mouth There’s dark fruit here, along with chocolate and definite evidence of oak.