The 2008 Merlot Grand Estates which includes 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc in its blend was aged for 14 months in 33% new oak, quite a commitment to another $12 wine. It displays a pleasant perfume of spicy red fruits, cherry blossom, and cassis but comes up slightly narrow on the palate. This wine is unlikely to be cellared by purchasers but should a bottle or two get lost and reappear in a year or two, it could well have filled out. Columbia Crest, part of the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, is Washington's largest winery. It produces mammoth amounts of wine (2,000,000+ cases) at a remarkably high level of quality. A visit to the cellars reveals brilliant organization, high morale, and a sense of personal involvement by the staff that undoubtedly adds value to the finished wine.www.columbia-crest.com

Thoroughly delicious, this seamlessly integrated, palate-coating Merlot matches pretty berry fruit to impressive barrel flavors. Coffee, toffee and chocolate are there in abundance, smoothing out dusty tannins and adding a suggestion of sweetness.——P.G.(4/1/2012)—— 89