Wine of the Week

The Columbia Valley enjoyed a terrific vintage in 1998, as this wine shows. It’s beautifully balanced, with soft ripe fruit tasting of black cherries and smoke. Ten percent Merlot in the blend gives it a youthful edge. It’s drinking well now, just in time for barbecue and picnic season. It would also be perfect for toting to the Hollywood Bowl. Columbia Crest is raising the bar on the quality of its lower-priced wines. A great value in any season.

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Under $10. Widely available at wine shops and other retailers.