(September 5, 2015) … So I’ve just come from a Washington state wine dinner and decided to look deep into the cellar to see what kind of old Washington wines I could find and these three bottles from Columbia Crest stood out to me – all from the 2002 vintage: time to check out what 13 year old Washington is tasting like.
Columbia Crest 2002 Merlot, Grand Estates Merlot … The best of the lot: nose of cherry and vanilla while the palate is smooth and silky with black licorice and dried black cherry.
Columbia Crest 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon … Still quite good, definitely drinkable: dried cherry, blackberry, and vanilla-smoke.
Columbia Crest 2002 Shiraz – Two Vines … While definitely a wine you COULD still drink with the other two in the room why would you – there’s some interesting smoky notes along with vanilla, dried blackberry, a little pepper.
All in all I’d say a rather successful vertical of Washington wines.
Of course there was also a back up bottle present, and if got opened too: Felino 2007 Malbec … A smoky, blueberry, cassis, and peppery number with touches of mocha and oak on the finish.