Josh Cellars Merlot
Merlot · California
$14.99
Showing image 1 of 1: Columbia Crest Merlot 750 Ml front bottle
Columbia Crest Merlot
Columbia Crest · Washington · United States
$9.99
1
Only 9 left in stock
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Why it’s a great value
It carries a verified 87-point score from Wine Enthusiast at a price under $25. The next step up in the same style, Josh Cellars Merlot, is $14.99.
Taste profile
SweetnessDry → Sweet
BodyLight → Full
Acidity*Soft → Bright
Tannin*Silky → Grippy
Oak*None → Bold
Fruit*Subtle → Intense
* WineDiscounts editorial estimate based on verified tasting notes.
What it tastes like
Dark cherry, cassis, blackberry, chocolate, soft vanilla-oak polish, and smooth tannins.
You’ll like this if…
A good choice if you like plush, fruit-forward Merlot, Washington reds, or softer Cabernet-style reds without aggressive tannin.
Why buy it
It delivers a recognizable Washington Merlot profile at an everyday price, with enough dark fruit and oak roundness for casual meals.
Best for
Roasted poultry, burgers, charcuterie, pasta night, or shoppers looking for a smooth red under $15.
Style
Medium-bodied, dry, dark-fruited, smooth, and lightly oaked.
Drinks like
Washington Merlot, softer Columbia Valley Cabernet blends, and fruit-forward New World Merlot.
Experience level
Beginner-friendly but still useful for regular red-wine drinkers who want a dependable house Merlot.
Flavor notes
Pairs well with
Poultry: Herb-rubbed poultry with roasted vegetables(winery pick)
Pasta: Mushroom pasta or baked ziti
Best occasions
Serving & enjoying
- Serving temperature:
- 60-65°F
- Decanting:
- No decanting required; opening 15-20 minutes ahead helps soften the fruit and oak notes.
- Glassware:
- Standard red wine glass or Bordeaux-style glass.
- Drink or cellar:
- Enjoy now; this is styled as an approachable current-release Merlot rather than a long-cellaring wine.
- After opening:
- Recork and refrigerate; best within 2-3 days.
Guidance partly estimated by WineDiscounts from the wine’s style.
About this wine
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot is a Columbia Valley red with chocolate, cassis, dark cherry and blackberry notes framed by smooth, velvety tannins. It is a polished Washington Merlot for weeknight dinners, roasted poultry, savory appetizers, and cheese plates.
Wine details
- Type
- red
- Varietal
- Merlot
- Grapes
- Current available tech sheet: 91% Merlot, Current available tech sheet: 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, Current available tech sheet: 2% Syrah, Blend may vary by release because WineDiscounts.com does not track vintage.
- Producer
- Columbia Crest
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Washington
- Appellation
- Columbia Valley
- Bottle size
- 750 Ml
- ABV
- 14.5%
Details last verified September 24, 2026
Explore
Winemaking details ›
- Winemaker:
- The wine-specific tech sheet does not name a winemaker. Columbia Crest's winery timeline names Guy Barnes as Head Winemaker in 2024.
- Vineyard source:
- Fruit sourced from premier vineyard sites throughout Columbia Valley, including Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope, according to the 2021 tech sheet.
- Vessel:
- Fermentation on skins for 6-10 days; malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels.
About the winery · Columbia Crest ›
Columbia Crest is a Washington winery located along the Columbia River in eastern Washington. The winery states that it was the first winery in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA and opened in 1982. Its Grand Estates tier was introduced in 2001 and is positioned around varietal character and value. Columbia Crest emphasizes Washington State fruit, consistent craftsmanship, and wines made to be approachable.
Critic reviews
87/100Wine Enthusiast
“Aromas of dark plums; light, lean flavors with soft acidity and plush tannins offering support.”
Trade up
$14.99Josh Cellars Merlot
Merlot · California
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Columbia Crest Merlot dry or sweet?
- Columbia Crest Merlot is bone dry — its sweetness rating is 1 on our 1 (bone dry) to 5 (sweet) scale. It is medium-bodied.
- What does Columbia Crest Merlot taste like?
- Dark cherry, cassis, blackberry, chocolate, soft vanilla-oak polish, and smooth tannins.
- What food pairs with Columbia Crest Merlot?
- It pairs well with Blue cheese, prosciutto, and green apple bites, Herb-rubbed poultry with roasted vegetables, Grilled chicken sandwich and Mushroom pasta or baked ziti.
- How should I serve Columbia Crest Merlot?
- Serve at 60-65°F. No decanting required; opening 15-20 minutes ahead helps soften the fruit and oak notes. Glass: Standard red wine glass or Bordeaux-style glass.
- Is Columbia Crest Merlot a good value?
- At $9.99 it carries a verified 87-point score from Wine Enthusiast; the review is shown on this page.
- What is the bottle size and alcohol content of Columbia Crest Merlot?
- 750 ml bottle, 14.5% alcohol by volume.