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Northstar 2008 Merlot Walla Walla Valley
91 points - International Wine Cellar - November 16, 2011
Bright red-ruby. Complex, aromatic nose combines cassis, blackberry, licorice, shoe polish, dark chocolate, and violet. Juicy, brisk, and fine-grained, with a distinctly high pitch to its black fruit perfume . . . Finishes suave and ripe, with fine tannins and lovely lingering perfume. Nothing overdone about this . . . A superb example of Walla Walla Valley Merlot.
Northstar 2007 Merlot Columbia Valley
- “Wine of the Week” - Wine Press Northwest - November 7, 2011
David “Merf” Merfeld’s much-anticipated “Big Dipper” project reportedly is set for release in the fall of 2012, and hopefully he has used this production - arguably the best work he’s done with Walla Walla Valley fruit - as a template. Fruit from Anna Marie and Loess vineyards form the base, while Windrow contributed to the Cabernet Sauvignon (16%) while Petit Verdot (6%) came from outside the appeallation at StoneTree on the Wahluke Slope. Harmonious aromas of black currant, Bing cherry and strawberry include a background of Graham cracker and pink peppercorn. The palate shows elegance with notes of black cherry, boysenberry and chocolate pudding with pleasant acidity and a fascinating feel of sandy tannins. Production of this is a mere fraction compared with the Columbia Valley release, and look for the black label. Rated "Outstanding" by Wine Press Northwest magazine. (400 cases, 14.7% alc.)
Northstar 2007 Merlot Columbia Valley
- Northwest Palate - November 1, 2011
Saturated blackish purple color. Expansive aromas of graham, vanilla, and cola surrounded a core of meaty sweet blackberry and plum fruit, with background notes of toast and earth. Silky on the tongue, taut flavors of dried cherries and black raspberries are potent and backed by toasty vanilla and a sense of dried herbs. Though lively with fresh acidity, there are also controlled fine tannins that provide a sense of dimension to the wine. There is no sappiness to this wine, and the excellent balance makes is as easy to pair with foods as it is to enjoy by itself. Pair with sage-stuffed heritage turkey and dried cherry reduction sauce. Winemaker David “Merf” Merfeld worked with fruit from 14 different vineyards scattered around prime growing regions within the Columbia Valley to produce this blend of 75% Merlot (the minimum required to use the varies designation “Merlot” in the label), 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot.
Northstar 2008 Merlot Columbia Valley
90 points - “Intriguing Washington Reds” - Wine Spectator - October 7, 2011
Firm in texture, with prickly tannins and a tang of acidity against blackberry and cedary spice flavors. Nicely filled out, this finishes with persistence. Drink now through 2015.
Northstar 2007 Merlot Columbia Valley
- Pink Memo - September 20, 2011
The 2007 Columbia Valley Merlot contains grapes from 14 separate vineyards and 18 different blocks. The juice then goes into the barrel for malolactic fermentation, then aged 18 months in 60% new French oak. The resulting wine is filled with black cherry, blackberry and black plum flavors with layers of spice and vanilla on the finish. This is a food wine, pairing well with grilled lamb and beef, with structure and balanced tannins, giving it the ability to age well for 10 – 20 years.