United States · Washington

Columbia Crest

Columbia Crest is a large-production Washington State winery owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, established in 1982 at a purpose-built facility in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The winery is best known for its Grand Estates and H3 tiers, and for a landmark moment in 2009 when Wine Spectator named the 2005 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon its Wine of the Year — the first wine under $20 to receive that distinction. The Walter Clore Private Reserve, named after the agricultural researcher who pioneered Vitis vinifera cultivation in Washington, is the estate's prestige tier. At auction, 133 lots have traded at an average of $51, ranging from $10 to $185. Merlot Grand Estates leads at 23 lots averaging $53; Walter Clore Private Reserve averages $46 across 18 lots; Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Estates averages $55 across 14 lots.

Wine Spectator named the 2005 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon its Wine of the Year — the first wine under $20 to receive that distinction — transforming perceptions of Washington State wine quality.

Walter Clore Private Reserve, the prestige tier named after the Washington agricultural researcher who pioneered vinifera cultivation, averages $46 at auction — modest pricing relative to its quality positioning.

Columbia Crest is one of Washington's largest wineries by volume, owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates; wide national distribution limits the secondary market scarcity that drives premium auction results.

133 lots average $51 per bottle with a $185 ceiling — consistent with a major-production brand where condition and lot size matter more to buyers than vintage-specific demand.

Auction Lots

133

Avg Price / Bottle

$51

Top Vintage

2003

Price Range

$10 – $185

In the Glass

Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in an accessible, consumer-friendly style: dark cherry, blackcurrant, vanilla, and mocha from Horse Heaven Hills fruit with the region's characteristic fresh acidity. Grand Estates tier emphasizes approachability with soft tannins and generous fruit; Walter Clore adds more structure and complexity from older-vine selections. The portfolio is reliably fruit-forward and crowd-pleasing rather than structured for extended cellaring.

Portfolio

Wine	Colour	Avg Price	Lots Sold	Top Vintage
Merlot Grand Estates	Red	$53	23	2003
Walter Clore Private Reserve	Red	$46	18	2006
Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Estates	Red	$55	14	1998

Columbia Crest is based in the Washington wine region.

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