Northstar Wine Club Newsletter - Winter 2011



2008 Merlot
Walla Walla Valley

“This elegant yet versatile limited production wine embodies the unique characteristics of Walla Walla Valley fruit. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from some of Walla Walla's best vineyard sites are showcased in the 2008 Northstar Walla Walla Merlot, with the final blend consisting of fruit from seven distinct vineyard blocks. The result is concentrated flavors, structure and complexity. The barrel regime consisted of 100% French oak with 60% new barrels. Silky in texture with notes of dark fruit and spice on the nose, leading into a palate rich with flavors of vanilla, chocolate, raspberry,
and earth before a long, seductive finish. Enjoy!”

David “Merf” Merfeld, Winemaker
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Retail price: $50 | Members: $40   REORDER »

2008 Merlot
Columbia Valley

“A bright, balanced wine with notes of black cherry, spice, and coconut leading to a long, smoky finish. The wine was placed into 98% French oak and 2% American oak with 60% new barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation. The lots aged separately for 18 months with racking occurring at three month intervals. Based on this winemaker's extensive research, this wine pairs well with just about anything, but especially grilled steak and lamb.”
David “Merf” Merfeld, Winemaker
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Retail price: $41 | Members: $32.80   REORDER »


RECENT ACCLAIM

2008 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley  |  BUY
92 ptsWine Advocate, August 2011

2008 Merlot, Columbia Valley  |  BUY
91 ptsWine Advocate, August 2011
90 ptsWine Spectator, November 2011


In This Issue Winter Selections
Recent Acclaim
Upcoming Events
Club Wine Food Pairings
Club Member News

Upcoming Events

DECEMBER 2nd, 3rd & 4th
Friday & Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 11am-4pm

Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend
Celebrate the season at Northstar! Barrel sample some of our newest wines, and all our current releases. The chocolate fountain will be flowing Saturday and don't miss our famous cheese table on Saturday and Sunday. Stop by to help us celebrate!

FRIDAY, December 2nd
5pm-7pm

Holiday Barrel Tasting Wine Club & Artist Reception
Be the first to barrel sample our newest wines! Stop by Northstar on Friday, December 2nd for our Wine Club reception. Talk with Merf about how the 2011 harvest is wrapping up and enjoy appetizers prepared by Cheese Louise Chef  Tamara Krieger. Local artist Margaret Jamison will be here to discuss her new show on display at the winery.

SATURDAY, February 11th
7pm

Valentine's Day Winemaker Dinner
Bring your Valentine to Northstar for a romantic dinner at the winery. A six course dinner will be served, each course paired with our fantastic wines. Be sure to check the website for further details as the date approaches.


CLUB SELECTION FOOD PAIRINGS

The holidays provide great food pairing opportunities and our Northstar Merlots, two of the most versatile wines in our portfolio, are a great fit for holiday fare. The 2008 Merlot, Walla Walla is an elegant wine that will fit right in with many traditional holiday dishes including turkey, rib roast, ham and a varied selection of those tasty side dishes such as sweet potato casserole and creamy mashed potatoes.

The 2008 Merlot, Columbia Valley is a beautifully balanced wine that will work well with lamb and even wild game for those oh so bold wine lovers who dare to mix it up during the holidays. Whatever your pairing decisions, be assured that our Northstar Merlots are the right wines to pair and share with friends and family this holiday season.


CLUB MEMBER NEWS

Ever Wonder How a Barrel is Made?
Northstar Club members now have first-hand knowledge thanks to the club Harvest Party event at the winery in September. Andy Byars, a cooper from Seguin Moreau, gave a live demonstration on barrel construction and toasting , and showed how these quality French Oak barrels are a vital part of the Northstar wine program.
View the demonstration video.

Don't forget to mark your calendar Friday, December 2nd from 5-7pm for our 2011 Holiday Barrel Tasting and Wine Club Reception. It's shaping up to be a fantastic event with a new art display from local artist, Margaret Jamison, and delicious appetizers prepared by Cheese Louise Chef Tamara Krieger. Winemaker David “Merf” Merfield will be on hand to talk about the 2011 harvest and taste club members on barrel samples of our newest wines. We look forward to seeing all of our valued club members in December!