Columbia

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Columbia 2003 Otis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)

Price $28

A fine Otis Cab, from Columbia’s now departed winemaking team of David Lake and Robert Takahashi. It’s rich and deep, scented with a luscious mix of fresh herbs. The fruit has a pleasing spiciness, sweet plum and cassis threaded with anise and sage. There seems to be more fruit concentration and less of the green, peppery character that Otis can bring in some… — P.G. (5/1/2009)

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Columbia 2005 Red Willow Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Yakima Valley)

Price $30

Red Willow was the launch pad for many viticultural experiments. The wines are usually released a little later than most, and reward breathing and cellaring. The relative lightness of the fruit is compensated for by the textural layering of leaf, berry, barrel and tannin. This new vintage feels a bit softer than most, but the mix of berries, pomegranate and citrus… — P.G. (5/1/2009)

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Columbia 2002 Red Willow Vineyard Syrah (Yakima Valley)

Price $27

The Red Willow/David Lake style remains distinctly tight, firm and herbal. The softly herbal grace of the wine is quite pleasing if you let it be what it is, and the flavors spread out gently through the moderately long, finely detailed finish. — P.G. (3/1/2008)

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Columbia 2004 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

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Price $15

This new release is 100% varietal, with bright, lifted aromas of cherry tobacco, cedar and smoke. It shows good concentration, and the alcohol rests at a food-friendly 13.5%. Hints of forest floor and mushroom add to that impression as the wine winds its way into a graceful finish. — P.G. (3/1/2008)

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Columbia 2007 Small Lot Series Riesling (Yakima Valley)

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Price $20

This is spicy and complex; wonderfully aromatic with a mix of Meyer lemon, pineapple and peach. Along with the fruits there are minty streaks and what might be called minerality. It turns a little bit chalky and soapy in the finish. — P.G. (5/1/2009)

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Columbia 2005 South Chapel Block Red Willow Vineyard Syrah (Yakima Valley)

Price $30

Richly scented with Asian spice, mocha, pepper and smoke. For those who have been tasting Red Willow reds for decades, it’s an adjustment. Left intact are the complex herbs and the lighter berry fruit flavors, although the ripeness has also risen a bit, and the 14.1% alcohol feels even warmer. — P.G. (5/1/2009)

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Columbia 2007 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))

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Price $15

Columbia is moving to a mainstream style as the influence of ownership and winemaker changes begin to be felt. This is a well-proportioned Merlot, with purple fruits and polished tannins. The addition of Malbec (along with tiny portions of four other red grapes) brings in spice and pepper highlights. — P.G. (9/1/2010)

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Columbia 2004 Red Willow Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $27

This is tart and shows mixed flavors of red berries, cranberry and hints of black cherry. The acids are upfront and forceful, and the usual herbal components seem muted. Perhaps the wine is in a bit of a dumb phase, but it is not showing the texture and length of previous Red Willow Cabs. — P.G. (3/1/2008)

Most Reviewed Designations

Cellarmaster’s Otis Vineyard Red Willow Vineyard Small Lot Series South Chapel Block Red Willow Vineyard

Most Reviewed Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Gewürztraminer Merlot Pinot Gris Riesling Syrah

2009 Russian River Vineyards Estate Grown

Rich flavors of cherries, persimmons, cola, anise and oak flood the…

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