This week has been a long one indeed. When I finally awoke to Wednesday, it was quite literally a “Thank God, it’s halfway over” kind of mentality. Sad thing is, I don’t work a normal job (not one I have to report to on a daily basis anyway, only when I’m needed); school is still out for the summer, so my days are still my own. As much as they can be anyway, with two kids aged 6 and 4. We all know who really runs the castle around here ;)
But it’s Wine Wednesday, so that will automatically improve any day. That, and a new pair of boots. Done, and Done!
The best part of yesterday was the break in the heat we finally saw here in Spokane (well, best may be an exaggeration; I did have new boots, after all). Only a high of 87˚? I’ll take it! Cool enough for a red wine, and I knew exactly what I be bringing up from the cellar: Columbia Crest Grand Estates Amitage.
I wasn’t certain how this wine would do. I mean, it did receive a Gold medal at this years Seattle Wine Awards (along with my beloved H3 Cabernet Sauvignon, also by Columbia Crest). However, while I highly enjoy most of the H3 line (so many reviews!), Grand Estates has been hit and miss for me, and this is new. But this is also the fun in trying a new wine, you just don’t know! I pulled the cork, and poured myself a glass, allowing it to breathe for a bit as I set up our backyard set to enjoy some dinner and a cool-er evening. Such a simple act, pulling the cork and pouring the wine, so relaxing. My brief slice of serenity cut short by a surprise of aromas that came wafting out of the bottle and into my nose: sweet espresso? chocolate? This must have Merlot in the blend (the bottle doesn’t specify). Oh! Now I’m excited! But back to what I was doing….Table and chairs set up, dinner on the table, a warm breeze blowing through the backyard, and I finally get to settle down with a glass of wine that has been teasing me since I first opened it up. 
Deep ruby/purple in color, Amitage entices your senses with aromas of black cherry and sweet spices. Taste buds sing as the black cherry meets with blackberries and stone fruits. A complex wine with leathery undertones, and finally, the espresso. Soft tannins and a long, silky finish round out this wine. Columbia Crest knows how to woo a red wine enthusiast.
Need I really write it down? Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2009 Amitage Red Blend: ★★★★★ Excellent
The details: Amitage is 13.5% alcohol content and is blended from 63% Merlot, 33% Syrah, and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged in 25% new French and American oak for 16 months. This wine is widely available in stores for anywhere from $10-$13 or online at http://www.columbiacrest.com for only $12. Excellent wine, excellent price.
Have you tried this wine before? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
We did a blind tasting for a big birthday/pizza evening. All wines were $12 or under. This wine won, hands down, and is an excellant QPR wine. We bought several cases at a discounted price from a local grocer. It ended up being about $8 a bottle. (and thankfully had many bottles left over for our own enjoyment)
Bartells had this wine on sale this week for $5.99 (reg.11.99) plus their is an $18 rebate on the case. Excited to after reading the reviews. We call this type of wine, mid-week or if our adult children are visiting “maintenance wine”.
John – love the term “maintenance wine”. I think I’ll have to remember that. I haven’t seen a Bartells here in Spokane, but we do have Total Wine. I’m often able to grab a few bottles for around $7-$8 each. Thanks for stopping by!
It’s more like $13 here in TN but its well worth it. One of my favorite value wines (which is about all I buy!). Thanks for the review!