Blending Wines
Merf regards the two dozen or more wine lots he works with each year as “a spice rack” to help him create Northstar’s world-class Merlots. The use of other traditional Bordeaux varietals allows him to add just the right amount of texture and complexity to the Merlots, always with a touch of Washington’s New World personality.
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Northstar’s focus on creating world-class Bordeaux-style Merlot-based wines begins in the vineyards, where winemaker David “Merf ” Merfeld selects the best of the classic blending varietals to create Northstar’s Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Merlots. We are pleased to showcase the unique characteristics of these varietals in extremely limited bottlings each vintage.
“Aromas of dark fruit lead into a palate ripe with blackberry, black raspberry, cassis, raspberry, cherry, and vanilla flavors. This lush, balanced wine is ready to enjoy now but elegant enough to cellar for years to come.”
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.9%
- Total Acidity: 0.54g/100ml
- pH Level: 3.71
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- Past vintage fact sheets: 2008 2007 2006
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Northstar’s focus on creating world-class Bordeaux-style Merlot-based wines begins in the vineyards, where winemaker David “Merf” Merfeld selects the best of the classic blending varietals to create Northstar’s Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Merlots. We are pleased to showcase the unique characteristics of these varietals in extremely limited bottlings each vintage.
Tasting Notes
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon displays rich notes of vanilla, cola, black cherry, and raspberry on a soft, silky palate. Cabernet fruit from Anna Marie Vineyard in Walla Walla contributes bright red fruit aromas and flavors, while fruit from Cold Creek Vineyard, east of Yakima in the Columbia Valley, adds notes of dark berry and stone fruits. A very elegant wine to be enjoyed for years to come.
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- Past vintage fact sheets: 2006 2007
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon from our favorite vineyards go into the creation of this limited release. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon blend consists of fruit from three distinct vineyard: Loess, Cold Creek and Windrow.
Tasting Notes
This generous, supple Cabernet Sauvignon offers lively layers of coconut, raspberry, and vanilla on the nose leading into rich flavors of cherry, vanilla, cola and truffle before a long, smoky finish.
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.5%
- Total Acidity: 0.54g/100mL
- pH Level: 3.72
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- Past vintage fact sheets: 2006 2005
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon from our favorite vineyards go into the creation of this limited release. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon blend consists of fruit from three distinct vineyard blocks which include Anna Marie, Kiona, and Shaw Red Mountain vineyards.
Tasting Notes
This rich, fruity, dark, full-bodied wine leads with cherry, raspberry, vanilla, and maple with a long chocolate graham cracker finish.
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.9%
- Total Acidity: 0.54g/100mL
- pH Level: 3.75
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- Past vintage fact sheets: 2005
2008 Cabernet Franc
This limited production wine showcases Cabernet Franc, which grows particularly well in the Walla Walla appellation. A single vineyard provided the Cabernet Franc in this 2008 release: Minnick Hills Vineyard, just north of downtown Walla Walla. A splash of Cabernet Sauvignon from Anna Marie Vineyard and Petit Verdot from Stone Tree Vineyard rounded out the blend.
Tasting Notes
“Aromas of vanilla and coconut lead into notes of green olive, dusty earth, tobacco, raspberry, and violet on the rich, mouth-filling palate. Enjoy this wine with poultry or pork dishes.”
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.1%
- Total Acidity: 0.60g/100ml
- pH Level: 3.80
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- Past vintage fact sheets: 2007 2006
2007 Cabernet Franc
This limited production wine showcases Cabernet Franc, which grows particularly well in the Walla Walla appellation. A single vineyard is showcased in this 2007 release: Minnick Hills Vineyard, just north of downtown Walla Walla.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of mint and sage lead into green olive, white chocolate, coconut, and vanilla flavors with a slightly smoky finish. Enjoy!
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.4%
- Total Acidity: 0.50 g/100 ml
- pH Level: 3.75
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- Past vintage fact sheets: 2006
2009 Petit Verdot
Northstar’s focus on creating world-class Bordeaux-style Merlot-based wines begins in the vineyards, where winemaker David “Merf” Merfeld selects the best of the classic blending varieties to create Northstar’s Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Merlots. We are pleased to showcase the unique characteristics of these varieties in extremely limited bottlings each vintage.
“Aromas and flavors of violets, cinnamon, and coconut overlay a base of rich, elegant dark fruit in this inky and lovely Petit Verdot.”
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.2%
- Total Acidity: 0.58g/100ml
- pH Level: 3.75
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- Past vintage fact sheets: 2008 2006
2008 Petit Verdot
This limited production 100% Petit Verdot was sourced solely from one of our favorite sites in the Columbia Valley, Stone Tree Vineyard on Wahluke Slope.
“Known for a rich deep color and exotic aromas, Petit Verdot fruit is a key component of Northstar’s flagship Merlot.”
Tasting Notes
Traditionally used as a blending varietal, Petit Verdot is a big, dark, and spicy wine that we enjoy bottling in extremely limited quantities here at Northstar. The 2008 vintage is ripe with mouth-filling floral, violet and vanilla flavors, set off by notes of smoke and earth. A great wine with red meat and aged cheeses, this vintage was also built to last and can be enjoyed now or a few years in the future.
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.1%
- Total Acidity: 0.62g/100ml
- pH Level: 3.76
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- Past vintage fact sheets: 2006
2007 Petit Verdot
This limited production 100% Petit Verdot was sourced solely from one of our favorite sites in the Columbia Valley, Stone Tree Vineyard on Wahluke Slope.
“Known for a rich deep color and exotic aromas, Petit Verdot fruit is a key component of Northstar’s flagship Merlot.”
Tasting Notes
Dark and inky in color, this 100% Petit Verdot exudes smooth aromas of violet, graham cracker and circus peanut, and layered flavors of plum, eucalyptus and vanilla. A robust wine to enjoy on its own or with a hearty steak.
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 15.0%
- Total Acidity: 0.55 g/100ml
- pH Level: 3.79
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- Past vintage fact sheets: 2006
2008 Syrah
The 2008 vintage of our limited production, 100% Syrah is sourced from a single vineyard, Anna Marie Vineyard. Located at the south end of the Walla Walla AVA, this vineyard is one of the warmest sites in the valley, yielding grapes with concentrated varietal flavors of blackberry and blueberry and elegant tannins.
Tasting Notes
Lush and elegant, with aromas and flavors of earth, black fruit, vanilla, and dark chocolate leading into a long, smoky finish. This Syrah is a perfect expression of the Walla Walla Valley. Enjoy with BBQ and roasted game.
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.5%
- Total Acidity: 3.82
- pH Level: 0.52 g/100ml
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- Past vintage fact sheets: 2006
2006 Syrah
Minnick Hills and Anna Marie vineyards contributed to this 100% Syrah. Winemaker David Merfeld works closely with each grower to achieve specific fruit quality and yield parameters.
Tasting Notes
This big, jammy wine has layers of flavors, displaying blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, orange peel, coconut, plum and white pepper. Full bodied, lush and robust on the palate with a long finish.
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.9%
- Total Acidity: 0.58 g/100mL
- pH Level: 3.83
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- Past vintage fact sheets: 2004
2008 Malbec
A cool spring and moderate summer in the Walla Walla and Columbia valleys delayed harvest slightly and allowed for extended hang time, leading to fruit with bright acidity and good sugar levels. A hot spell in late August provided good conditions for the end of the growing season and got the fruit to desired ripeness.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of cedar, vanilla, and black pepper lead into a medium-bodied wine with spicy, savory, black cherry flavors. This is a rustic wine that will hold up to a variety of foods including barbeque, Italian to Cajun, Indian, or Mexican. Enjoy this limited production 100% Malbec from Walla Walla.
Technical Data
- Alcohol Content: 14.2%
- Total Acidity: 0.56 g/100mL
- pH Level: 3.80
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- Past vintage fact sheets: 2007