Northstar Columbia Valley Merlot 2007

"From a superb year, this wine saw all French oak, but an ongoing reduction in exposure to new barrels brought the percentage down to 60%. Young and muscular, the blend of black fruits, sweet oak and toasty spice is focused and compelling. Pure fruit flavors include black cherry and plum, smooth and concentrated, with a smoky kick in the lingering finish."

93 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"The 2007 Merlot Columbia Valley was blended from 14 vineyards while the wine was made with 40-60% whole berries depending upon the site. It was aged for 18 months in 60% new French oak. It reveals a nose of pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, lavender, cassis, and black currant. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, this impeccably balanced wine is loaded with raspberry, plum, and black fruit flavors, has outstanding density, and a long, fruit-filled finish. Give it another 3 years of cellaring and drink it from 2013 to 2022."

92 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Dense and chewy, featuring a sweetness and suppleness that make the earthy cherry and blackberry flavors weave through the tannins, emerging on the long finish with finesse. Best from 2012 through 2016."

91 Points

Wine Spectator

"Medium red. Aromatic nose combines plum, cherry, cedar, graphite and wild mint. At once dense and juicy, with good balance and freshness to the red fruit and tobacco flavors. This fresh, firmly tannic merlot finishes with very good chewy lift and a whiff of aromatic oils."

90 Points

International Wine Cellar