Columbia Crest H3 Horse Heaven Hills Merlot

Description

Vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills are the source and inspiration behind the H3 wines. The hills have been home to Columbia Crest winery for more than two decades. Winemaker Juan Munoz Oca combines innovative and traditional winemaking practices to highlight bold flavors in the wines that capture the unique terroir of the region.GROWING SEASONSpring temperatures in Eastern Washington started off relatively cool but rose quickly, and the region soon settled in to a more typical weather pattern.Summer was predictably warm though without any prolonged excessive heat events, with temperatures rarely breaking 100 Fahrenheit.Late summer and early fall brought on slightly cooler daytime highs and a significant diurnal shift, a pattern that continued well into October.A few sporadic rain showers in mid-to-late October were quickly dissipated by persistent winds and had no effect on the harvest.Overall the 2012 harvest was outstanding; the red wines are flavorful and rich with ripe tannins.VINEYARDSThe Horse Heaven Hills vineyards are located east of the Cascade Mountain range. Up to 14,000 feet high, the mountains effectively block eastward-moving wet weather systems from the Pacific Ocean.The terrain consists of south-facing slopes that provide excellent sun exposure for grape ripening, and good air drainage which protects the vineyards during the winter months.Well-drained sandy soils have low fertility and low water-holding capacity, allowing precise control of vine growth patterns.Strong wind patterns, which are unique to the Horse Heaven Hills, reduce canopy size and density, create better sun exposure, and contribute to even ripening by moderating temperature extremes.VINIFICATIONGrapes were crushed leaving at least 30% whole-berry to retain the fruit quality.Fermentation lasted 7-14 days on the skins to extract optimum fruit and structural components.Various yeasts were used to maintain fruit flavors and complexity.Malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. Blending occurred shortly after malolactic fermentation.The wine was barrel aged in one-third new American and French oak, and two-thirds older oak for 18 months.TASTING NOTES This medium-bodied Merlot delivers aromas of spice and blackberry, with a perfect balance of earth, cocoa and ripe cherry flavors with a rich, velvety finish. – Juan Munoz Oca, WinemakerFood Pairings Food Pairings Mild to intensely flavored dishes such as grilled salmon, roasted lamb, wild game, and balsamic or tomato-based sauces work well with the jammy flavors of Merlot.- Columbia Crest