Acclaim

Northstar 2002 Stella Maris Red Blend Columbia Valley

87 points - Wine Spectator - October 15, 2005

Firm, with a polished feel to the ripe cherry and pepper aromas and flavors, weaving in a touch of green bean, finishing on a smoky note.^

Northstar 2001 Stella Maris Red Blend Columbia Valley

91 points - Wine News - September 1, 2004

Deep crimson hue. Warm, smoky aromas of blueberry, black cherry, earth and a hint of vanillin oak. Tangy acidity leads into flavors of plum, cherry, citrus, mint and coffee. Chalky, flinty close.

Northstar 2001 Stella Maris Red Blend Columbia Valley

88 points - Wine Advocate - August 31, 2004

Winemaker Gordy Hill fashioned an excellent 2001 Stella Maris from a blend of 56% Merlot and 44% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its herb-laced eggplant aromas lead to a big, broad, chunky personality filled with dark berry fruit.

Northstar 2001 Stella Maris Red Blend Columbia Valley

90 points - Wine & Spirits - August 1, 2004

Stella Maris is a second label for Gordy Hill''s Northstar estate in Walla Walla, owned by Stimson Lane. That affiliation merits Hill getting fruit from some of the parent company''s most cherished sources, which include Horse Heaven Hills, Cold Creek and Indian Wells. Merlot dominates the tone and feel of this blend (56percent, with the rest cabernet sauvignon), and it gets merlot right. There's a sweet, minty feel to the fruit, brick red in texture and red in its fruit profile, cherries in chocolate, simple, irresistible.

Northstar 2001 Stella Maris Red Blend Columbia Valley

90 points - Wine Spectator - July 31, 2004

Polished, elegant style brims with cherry and berry fruit, lightly accented with toast, coffee and green olive flavors.