Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
A Wine for Tonight: 2008 Columbia Crest Two Vines Vineyard 10 White Wine
By Kori ~ February 25th, 2010.
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 2008 Columbia Crest Two Vines Vineyard 10 White Wine from Washington State.
Our selection criteria include:
- A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
- A price tag of <=$15
- Must be widely available
Columbia Crest, located in Paterson, Washington, has been one of our favorite sources of value wines for many years. Head winemaker, Ray Einberger, took the reins in 2002 from Doug Gore who had been the winemaker since Columbia Crest was founded in 1983. Under Gore and Einberger’s leadership, 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.
This 2008 Columbia Crest Two Vines Vineyard 10 White Wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon. It is a great go-to white wine for parties and other large groups because it is good, inexpensive (often found in local grocery stores for under $6), and appeals to both Chardonnay lovers and Sauvignon Blanc lovers.
“This medium-bodied white wine showcases intense aromas of fresh sliced peaches and fresh cut grass. Upfront flavors of peach and melons give way to a juicy and refreshing finish.†–Winemaker Ray Einberger
2008 Columbia Crest Two Vines Vineyard 10 White Wine (Washington State): 40% Chardonnay, 34% Sauvignon Blanc, 11% Semillon, 15% Other various aromatic varieties. Pale yellow with green tinges. Citrus aromas, especially grapefruit, come through on the nose; lots of lime, grapefruit, and white peach on the palate. Medium-bodied with lively acidity and a long finish. A smooth, refreshing sipper.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Winery, $8; Widely available
Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Washington State Wine, White Wine, Wines Under $10, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25
Kori, glad to hear you enjoyed this wine. Will look forward to checking it out. I have tried the Vineyard 10 Red Wine and also found it to be a value standout at $8. At times I have even seen it on sale for $5.
Sean,
I’d love to hear what you think when you try it. Relatively speaking, I like the Vineyard 10 White better than the Vineyard 10 Red. Both are great values though. Cheers!
Kori, I’ve been picking up this wine once a week because it’s a very nice wine for the price of $8.00. I even make sure the merchant isn’t watching me because I’m a winemaker. But, I will ask him now to see what he thinks of nice wine. Nice pick! Rick
[…] Wine Peeps: A Wine Blog » A Wine for Tonight: 2008 Columbia Crest … […]
Rick,
Thanks for your kind words. No need to be embarrassed when buying wine. If you like it, that’s all that matters. I would be curious to hear what the merchant has to say about it, though. Cheers!
Well Kori just recently I went back to the large store as discussed earlier and asked the asst. wine manager what he thought about the wine Columbia Crest Two Vines Vineyard 10 White Wine. He stated he wouldn’t buy it but he hadn’t tried it…………He attempted to try and push other wines for which I know and don’t care for. I rest my case as I have tried this wine on others with acceptance and I told him so.
On the other note I understand your comment about not being embarrassed when purchasing wines. It was just a moment in time, but I’m a real winemaker and don’t try a lot of wines like these even though I know the masses do!
Chat with you around the corner……….Rick
Rick,
Thanks for following up. Interesting that the asst mgr said he wouldn’t buy it but hadn’t even tried it. I think that happens far too often. That is exactly why we taste blind as often as possible so as not to be influenced positively or negatively by label, price, etc. Cheers!
Helluva wine anywhere in the <$10. bracket! Went on sale/clearance at local (Utah) state liquor store for $4.30. Tried one … wnet back and bought a case (the balance). Full bodied, some sense of bottle age, better than a ton of major winery 'common' stock. Glad to see some comment here after our refcent_current experience.
TomB
Tom,
Thanks for sharing. I continue to be amazed at the quality of this wine, at this price. Wow, $4.30. I’d have picked up a case too. Cheers!