COLUMBIA CREST MERLOT GRAND ESTATES - 2005

13.5% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark ruby color with mocha, oak and coffee on the nose. Red and black fruits are overshadowed by huge amounts of creamy vanilla oak. Cassis and blackberry on the mid-palate give way to black cherry candy on the finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

88 PTS

For $10 a bottle this is a screaming value. It overachieves its price category. It is a heavy on the oak but forgiveable given the quality, flavor profile and balance. Easy drinking crowd pleaser alert!