Columbia Winery Merlot 2013
Columbia Winery Merlot 2013 is a 13.9% ABV, 750mL Columbia Valley Merlot — 87% Merlot with 11% Syrah and 2% Malbec, from Washington's Columbia Valley AVA. Columbia Winery was Washington wine's pioneering modern voice, the winery that proved the Columbia Valley could make world-class table wine, and Merlot was always its signature grape: Washington's long days and cool nights give Merlot a plushness and structure California rarely matches. The 2013 — 13,320 cases made — is fully mature and ready to drink. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 13.9%
- Size: 750mL
- Vintage: 2013
- Blend: 87% Merlot, 11% Syrah, 2% Malbec
- Region: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington
- Production: 13,320 cases (2013)
Washington's Signature Grape, From Its Pioneer
Columbia Winery began in 1962 as Associated Vintners and became the winery that mapped Washington's potential, championing Merlot when the state was still known mainly for Riesling. This 2013 is classic Columbia Valley blending: Merlot's plush dark fruit in the lead, Syrah adding a ripe cherry-and-cranberry tang and spice, and a small Malbec share deepening the colour and middle. It comes from the Gallo era of the winery (acquired 2012), under winemaker Sean Hails, and a decade in bottle has brought it to a soft, savoury maturity. See the winery on the Columbia Winery vendor page, or browse more red wine on the shelf.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Plum with spice, per the winery's 2013 notes. Palate: Dark berry fruit with toasty oak and vanilla, a textured mouthfeel and mouth-watering acidity; independent 2013 reviews add ripe cherry, cranberry and blackcurrant tang from the Syrah share. Finish: Lingering and dry, with softened oak tannins.
How to Enjoy
Serve at cool room temperature, around 60°F, with a short decant to wake it up. The winery's own 2013 pairing suggestions were tenderloin medallions with wild huckleberry glaze, or roast chicken — and it should be drunk now, in its window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Washington known for Merlot? The Columbia Valley's combination of long daylight hours, cool nights and desert dryness ripens Merlot fully while keeping its acidity and structure — a style Columbia Winery pioneered for the state.
Is the 2013 Columbia Merlot still drinking well? Yes — the winery's Merlot matures gracefully, and the 2013 is in its mature window: softer tannins, more savoury complexity. Enjoy it now rather than cellaring further.
What is in the blend besides Merlot? Per the vintage's published data: 87% Merlot, 11% Syrah and 2% Malbec, all Columbia Valley fruit.
Washington Merlot from the winery that started it — order Columbia Winery Merlot 2013 from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.