Pumpkin Carving and Wine

On Saturday, my friends and I did our annual tradition of a corn maze race and pumpkin patch raid.  I hate to reveal the results of the corn maze, but after finding some good pumpkins, we returned home to carve them over some wine.

That night, we compared the Columbia Crest H3 Merlot from Horse Heaven Hills (14.99) and the St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County ($20). We’ve talked before about the H3 Cab and the impressive QPR (Quality-Price Ratio). The merlot was no different.  Dark fruit and good tannins, this is a robust wine, and for the pricepoint, it could become a great go-to.  The St. Francis was brighter, more acidic but flavorful and well-made.

Ste. Michelle Estate Wines, parent company for Columbia Crest, released their quarterly earnings report last week showing huge increases in sales and operating profit.  They say it’s due to acclaim for some new releases.  I’d be willing to be they’re refering to the new family of wines: H3.

I can’t say the wine didn’t inspire the pumpkin carving a bit.  And to my friends in the corn maze race: I’ll get you next year.