Northstar Merlot 2005

• Light & Fruity: Red wines that are more fruit-forward and lighter in tannin and body.
• Smooth & Supple: Medium bodied reds that go down easy, with smooth tannins and supple fruit.
• Earthy & Spicy: Wines where earthy and/or spicy dominate the flavors – typically medium to full body.
• Big & Bold: Full bodied wines that have concentrated fruit and are higher in alcohol and/or tannins. Some need age.

A blend of 80% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot.

This rich wine is concentrated and yet elegant, with aromas of cherry, plum, raspberry, and blackberry, finishing off with flavors of toasted oak, vanilla, coconut, mint, and toffee. Enjoy and celebrate!

"The 2005 Merlot Columbia Valley contains 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot aged for 18 months in 70% new French and American oak. Opaque purple, it offers up an expressive nose of smoky black cherry and black currant aromas, spice box, and mineral. It has a firm, tannic entry which is a mild cause for concern. The wine has good flavors and plenty of depth but there is tannin in the finish which blunts the fruit. It may evolve and round out but that is a gamble." 88 Points
Wine Advocate
June 2008

Editor's Choice. "The Columbia Valley designated Merlot from Northstar accounts for six times as many cases as its Walla Walla Merlot, yet in quality terms it sometimes equals or even surpasses the pricier bottling. The 2005 vintage was stellar, and this lovely wine is bursting with fruit—raspberry, blackberry, plum and more. Spicy aromas and flavors wrap around chocolaty tannins; there are exotic hints of curry and plenty of toast." 91 Points
Wine Enthusiast