Northstar Columbia Valley Merlot, Walla Walla, Washington State

Description

Northstar Winery, located in Walla Walla, Washington, is dedicated to the production of ultra-premium Merlot that will be considered among the world’s best, showcasing the Columbia Valley’s star grape variety. David “Merf” Merfeld is Northstar’s winemaker and has been at Northstar since 2001. Famed California winemaker Jed Steele, Northstar’s consulting winemaker, has been involved with the winery since its first vintage in 1994. Vineyard diversity is one of the keys to Northstar’s success.  For any given vintage, nearly two dozen unique vineyard blocks from around the Columbia Valley are sourced, with a dozen or so making it through the rigorous selection process into the final blend. The majority of these vineyards are over 15 years old. Northstar Columbia Valley Merlot draws from numerous vineyards and individual vineyard blocks from around the entire appellation. The emphasis is always on the bright cherry fruit that gives Washington Merlot its immediate appeal.