PATERSON, Wash. — Travel anywhere in the U.S., and the Washington wine you're most likely to encounter will be labeled Columbia Crest Grand Estates, which are made just up the hill from the tiny community of Paterson.
Columbia Crest Winery turns out 2 million cases of wine a year, and its Grand Estates Merlot has become the nation's top-selling Merlot.
Despite the high volume, Columbia Crest has built a reputation for both high quality and low price for its four tiers of wines: Two Vines, Grand Estates, H3 and reserve wines.
Two Vines and Grand Estates are the two biggest brand names and can be found from Seattle to New York.
The least expensive is Two Vines, usually $5 to $7. Grand Estates wines cost a little more -- $8 to $10 at most retailers.
At the high end, Columbia Crest's 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was named by Wine Spectator as the best wine in the world in 2009, but alas, it's hard to find and priced in the $50 range. So for folks like me who watch their pocketbooks, Grand Estates is the ticket.
Columbia Crest advertisements proclaim that Wine Spectator has awarded Grand Estates wines "more 90-plus ratings ... than any other winery in the world."
A blogger hit the nail on the head by writing: "Wow, the Columbia Crest (Grand Estates) Merlot has got to be the best bang for the your buck out there."
Columbia Crest has teamed up with nationally known chef Bobby Flay for food suggestions to pair with its wines, and his recommendations are included with our tasting notes.
2007 Riesling, Columbia Valley -- Orange zest and apple flavors combine with a fruity acidity. Try it with roasted peach melba.
2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley -- A hint of grass in the aromas, backed by tropical fruit and a refreshing crispness. Serve with steamed mussels.
2008 Pinot Grigio, Columbia Valley -- A sip brings on visions of fruit cocktail with spices. Perfect for pan-roasted chicken.
2008 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley -- Wonderful apple and pear flavors, plus touches of butterscotch. Just right with rum butter-glazed grilled pineapple.
2006 Shiraz, Columbia Valley -- This easy-drinking wine displays pepper and blueberries and smooth tannins. Serve with black-pepper-crusted grilled steak.
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley -- A chocolate cherry-flavored delight with supple tannins. Perfect for roasted pork loin.
2007 Merlot, Columbia Valley -- Ah, the variety that made this brand famous. There are 411,000 hits on the internet when you search for "Columbia Crest Merlot." This version's exotic spices lead to rich, smooth, tasty berry flavors. Pair it with grilled lamb chops.
*Bob Woehler has been writing about Pacific Northwest wines since 1978. E-mail him at bwoehler@charter.net.
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