Our Wines
At Northstar, we embrace the traditions and techniques that winemakers from the renowned winegrowing regions of France have practiced for centuries, guided by the same underlying principles of respect for the land and reverence for the art and science of fermentation. As a New World wine producer, we’re eager to experiment and innovate with the same goal in mind.
2006 Walla Walla Merlot
Embodying the very best of the Walla Walla Valley, this Merlot reflects our home appellation’s unique geography and geology. Located in the foothills of the Blue Mountains in the southeastern corner of the state, Walla Walla (a Native American term for “many waters”) is nourished by the waters streaming down from these mountains, which provide irrigation for the valley’s 1,600 acres of grapevines, numerous fruit orchards and dry land farming.
“Some of Walla Walla’s best vineyard sites are showcased in our 2006 Northstar Walla Walla Merlot.”
Tasting Notes
Blackberry and bright cherry flavors are balanced into this satiny smooth, well structured Merlot, concluding with a supple, lingering finish. Enjoy the layers of flavors showcased in this stellar example of Walla Walla Valley fruit.
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.4%
- Total Acidity: 0.53g/100mL
- pH Level: 3.79
- Download fact sheet
- Past vintage fact sheets: 2005 2003 2002
The Art of Blending
Adding Cabernet Sauvignon to Washington Merlot softens the wine with bright cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. Cabernet Franc also brings softness and an olive herbal tone.
Read about the Art of Blending
2006 Columbia Valley Merlot
Epitomizing power and finesse, our Columbia Valley Merlot is crafted from the finest grapes grown throughout the Columbia Valley AVA of eastern Washington State.
“The diversity of the Columbia Valley’s Merlot vineyards is a key to Northstar’s success.”
Tasting Notes
Elegant and medium-bodied with bold aromas of raspberry, mint, maple, chocolate, clove, coconut and licorice. Dense, muscular, cherry fruit flavors culminate in a rich, smoky, coffee-mocha finish.
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.7%
- Total Acidity: 0.53g/100mL
- pH Level: 3.74
- Download fact sheet
- Past vintage fact sheets: 2005 2004 2003 2002
The Art of Blending
To maximize the Columbia Valley’s lush fruit flavors and avoid astringent tannins, up to 40% of the grapes chosen from each vineyard are retained and fermented as whole berries. Each vineyard lot ferments separately and is matured for 14-18 months before joining the final blend.
Read about the Art of Blending
2006 Stella Maris Red Wine
With the lots that don’t make our Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Merlots, our winemaker follows the Bordeaux tradition of making a ‘declassified’ wine, and creates Stella Maris.
“Stella Maris is Latin for “Star of the Sea”. ”
Tasting Notes
This medium-bodied, approachable wine opens with aromatics of blueberry and raspberry. Each varietal in the final blend contributes concentrated fruit and layers of flavors including blueberry, white pepper, bright red fruit, and a bit of orange zest.
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.4%
- Total Acidity: 0.56g/100mL
- pH Level: 3.79
- Download fact sheet
- Past vintage fact sheets: 2005 2004
The Art of Blending
A vehicle for innovation, recent ‘Stella’ vintages have included Syrah, a varietal of increasing importance and acclaim in the Walla Walla Valley.
Read about the Art of Blending
2008 Stella Blanca Semillon
Tasting Notes
This luscious white wine has lovely hints of tropical fruits, apple and lemon zest, and the elegance of a fruit tart with its classic pastry cream filling, as it softens mid-palate with a honeyed, creamy texture that finishes with bright, crisp flavors.
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 13.8%
- Total Acidity: 0.62g/100mL
- pH Level: 3.17
- Download fact sheet
- Past vintage fact sheets: 2006
The Art of Blending
Blending world-class Merlots requires a combination of winemaking expertise and artistry from our winemaker. Merf tailors the barrel regimen for each vineyard lot based on his deep knowledge of that vineyard’s character and history. He evaluates each lot frequently, a practice fine-tuned by his years of experience, before assembling an array of trial blends that aim for a perfect balance of varietal purity, fruit intensity, and ripe, harmonious tannins.
Merlot fruit from Washington’s top vineyard sites forms the backbone of the Northstar wines, enhanced by the careful blending of other traditional Bordeaux varietals to add texture and complexity to the Merlot fruit. Merf considers these varietals his “spice rack,” and each adds a key component to the final blend:
- Cabernet Sauvignon softens Washington Merlot with bright cherry and raspberry fruit flavors
- Petit Verdot adds color and structure
- Cabernet Franc brings softness and an olive herbal tone
After Merf creates the final blends for Northstar’s Walla Walla and Columbia Valley Merlots, as well as for the Stella Maris red blend, the wines are bottled and aged for up to 18 months to ensure they are enjoyable upon release and still capable of aging gracefully in bottle for 10-15 years.