The Tasting Panel magazine

July 2013

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MERIDITH MAy, Publisher/Executive Editor, shares her thoughts on the Columbia Crest lineup. Dan Figor, Liquor Category Manager for important Arizona grocery chain Bashas', with Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. "The label now has a clean, classy look that is memorable and eye-catching," he says. "We wanted to make a change and it needed to be more than just a tweak, but we didn't want to lose our loyal customers," says Kloster. The goal was to appeal to a wider range of consumers, but assure the current fan base that inside was the same, wonderful wine. "Everything inside is still the same," says Kloster. "It is just in a more confident package." With the theme of "modern classic" in mind, the brand updated its labels to a dark and handsome crest/ shield shape with classy silver touches and a large, striking "C" logo. "The hope with the new label, specifically the iconic 'C' logo, is that even if the consumer doesn't remember the name, the label is distinct and memorable enough to jump out at them," explains Kloster. "Overall, the new label is more contemporary. It's cleaner and better represents what it is in the bottle," says Kloster. Dan Figor, Liquor Category Manager for Bashas', Arizona's large retail grocery chain, couldn't agree more. "Columbia Crest is such a great wine that really over-delivers. Now the label reflects the wine inside the bottle. It's modern, clean and unique. It definitely stands out on the shelf." Off-premise awareness wasn't the only goal for Columbia Crest; on-premise sales played an important role during the research and design process, as well. "It's a strong, confident bottle," says Kloster. "It's one that you're proud to have sitting on your table during your meal." Columbia Crest 2011 Grand Estates Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($12) Additional hangtime from a warm, dry October created a most pleasurable wine. The whole berries were pressed and placed in stainless steel tanks for two days at 50 degrees and then aged in a combination of French and American oak—the barrels hand-stirred for six months and blended after spending eight months in barrel (24% stainless steel fermentation brought out the stunning aromatics). Hazelnut meld with maple pancake batter for one of the sexiest vintages yet. With its honey blossom voluptuousness and buttered vanilla pineapple sweetness, we can't help but leave our kisses on the page. Columbia Crest 2010 Grand Estates Merlot, Columbia Valley ($12) The toasty oak richness play with the gritty tannins, which latch on to the teeth, making this the big Merlot profile we have come to love from Washington State. But wait, it gets better: dark, chocolate-covered fruit commands attention while hints of rhubarb and jasmine lay a stunning claim to the finish. The fairly low alcohol (13.9%), 14 months in barrel and the addition of 5% Cabernet Sauvignon add balance, texture and structure to what was a cool, challenging vintage—but this wine holds its own. Columbia Crest 2011 Grand Estates Syrah, Columbia Valley ($12) A startling array of violets, olive tapenade and blackberry-flavored ground coffee beans are lifted high by a fine acidity and a smoky cedar core. Aged 14 months in 60% French and 40% American oak, the majority of its fruit harvested from the Wahluke Slope. One percent Primitivo blended in, and alcohol kept in check at 13.5%. Columbia Crest is such a great wine that really over-delivers. Now the label reflects the wine inside the bottle. It's modern, clean and unique. It definitely stands out on the shelf." july 2013  /  the tasting panel  /  103 TP0713_100-148.indd 103 6/24/13 6:02 PM

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