Columbia Crest, owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, has long been known for the quality of its value-priced wines. Since Columbia Crest is usually thought of as a producer of value-priced wines selling for under $20, their upper-level, limited-production wines have remained under the radar, but they too merit serious attention as they are value-priced compared to the competition.

The Wine Spectator chose the 2005 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Reserve as their top wine of the year for 2009. It scored 95 pts. but was sold out in most markets by the time the award was announced.

We snagged all of Columbia Crest’s flagship wine, the 2005 Walter Clore Private Reserve, a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc which is aged for 26 months in new French oak. “Ripe and polished, with gorgeous chocolate-tinged black currant, black raspberry and coffee notes swirling through the long, vivid finish. Tempting now, but should develop more with cellaring. Drink now through 2016. 6,500 cases made. 92 points the Wine Spectator

Here is an additional review from Robert Parker who has been a long time fan of this wine. “Purple-colored it exhibits an alluring bouquet of toast, coconut, chocolate, graphite, spice box, black currant, and black cherry. Medium to full-bodied, savory, and structured, this well-balanced effort will improve for another 3-5 years in the bottle and offer prime drinking through 2025.” 90 points The Wine Advocate

$39.99 per bottle or $203.95/6 pack case ($33.99)
Only ten 6 packs available