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I had mixed feelings going into this wine.  I had heard good things, but was a little doubtful that it wouldn’t deliver much for its $8.50 price tag at Costco.  But long behold, this isn’t a bad wine at all, and it turns out to be a pretty good value buy, particularly if you prefer …

Read More about 2013 Columbia Crest H3 Horse Heaven Hills Chardonnay

Reviewed by Michael S Combine a very good value wine at Costco with a $2.00 discount and you’ve got one tasty treat. First, my bias disclaimer: I’ve been very impressed with Columbia Crest’s H3 line of wines over the years. They’ve offered one of my favorite Merlots and their Cabernet Sauvs have been quite nice. …

Read More about 2010 Columbia Crest H3 Chardonnay

  It’s been a while since I reviewed one of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlots, and I’m happy to report that the current vintage is quite nice for the Costco price of $13.99 (it’s been slowly creeping up).

You’ll want to give this wine a little air.  It opens up a little closed but after some time in the glass, its true character began to emerge.  The nose is subtle and floral; in the mouth the wine feels medium in body, tannins are gentle and the flavor is spot on to what I remember from this wine; jammy dark fruit, a hint of vanilla and chocolate, ripe fruit, a little vegetal.  This wine is ready to drink now.  Finish is very pleasant, longer than expected with a touch of spice.  

This bottle is a good buy at Costco.  Also keep an eye out for the Columbia Crest H3 Merlot if you like your Columbia Valley Merlots.  It is similar in price and value, and seems to widely distributed around the country.

CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 88 Points
Purchased at Costco in: Atlanta, GA
Costco item number: 160933

Read More about 2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot

Charles & Charles is a collaboration between Charles Smith (of his namesake winery and K Vintners) and Charles Bieler.  Smith is a former rock band manager and while on the road developed a particularly good sense for rockstar wines.   A self-taught winemaker, Smith’s wines have garnered a lot of media attention and furrowed brows by …

Read More about 2013 Charles & Charles Chardonnay

Merlot varietals have not fared well in the U.S. wine drinking circles over the past few decades, so more American winemakers are moving towards merlot-based blends…..just like the French have been doing for hundreds of years.   (As with French Fries/frites and Napoleon pastries,  sometimes the French come up with darn good gastronomical ideas.)   Merlot is …

Read More about 2011 Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend