Open-knit and fruit-forward, the 2016 H3 Red Blend Les Chevaux is named after the wild horses that, at one time, freely roamed the area. The nose is filled with blackberries, spiced plum and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is clean and correct, showing a good core of juicy fruits with soft florals toward the back. It ends with an oak-driven expression of popcorn kernel and coconut husk on the lingering finish. 75,000 cases made.

The 2015 H3 Red Blend Les Chevaux exhibits aromas of sweet berry fruit and toasty new oak. On the palate, it's juicy, medium-bodied and flavorful, concluding with a rather abrupt, youthfully chewy finish. Drink it in the next couple of years for its primary fruit.

A multigrape blend that seems to be lacking focus, this tastes strongly of vanilla and butter cookies, the fruit extremely light.——P.G.(4/1/2012)—— 86

Also new is the 2008 Les Chevaux Red Wine which is a blend of 34% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah with the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec aged 14-18 months in 30% new French and American oak. It emits an inviting perfume of Asian spices, incense, violets, tobacco, cassis, and black currant. In the glass it opens to reveal excellent concentration, plenty of volume, spicy flavors, and enough structure to provide enjoyment through 2020, quite an achievement for a $15 wine. 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