A Wine for Tonight: 2009 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon



By Kori ~ June 21st, 2012.

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2009 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley of Washington State.

Our selection criteria include:

  • A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
  • A price tag of <=$20
  • Must be widely available

Columbia Crest, located in Paterson, Washington, has been one of our favorite sources of value wines for many years. Last year, Juan Munoz Oca took over as head winemaker from Ray Einberger. Einberger had been at the helm since 2002 when he took the reins from Doug Gore who had been the winemaker since Columbia Crest was founded in 1983. The Columbia Crest winemaking team has produced more 90+ scoring bottles of wine than any other winery in the world. For those of us who live in Washington State, it is nice to have such a consistent, affordable producer in our own backyard.

“Exhibiting big, bold flavors, our Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon highlights these classic characteristics while softening the edges just enough to call attention to delicate aromas and fruit complexity. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, plum and spice on the mid-palate are complemented by smooth tannins on the finish.” –Ray Einberger, Winemaker Emeritus

2009 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington): 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 6% Syrah. Deep, dark red. Aromatic with caramel, candied apple, and oak notes on the nose. Red and black fruits and earth come through on the palate. Medium-bodied with lively acidity, medium tannins, and a long, smooth finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $12; Available elsewhere, $8 to $13


Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Washington State Wine, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

Reader's Comments

  1. robert adico | June 25th, 2012 at 6:16 am

    FINE… thank you for very good suggestion of wine. and what about the bulk price for that..