Our trip to Walla Walla would not have been complete without stopping by Northstar. We contacted winemaker David "Merf" Merfeld for an appointment and met him right after closing time at the winery.
Northstar was established by Ste. Michelle Estates in 1994 to concentrate on producing the finest Merlot possible. When current winemaker David Merfeld arrived here in 2001 he apprenticed under famed California winemaker Jed Steele who still serves as a consultant at the winery. With David at the helm Northstar has branched out from their Merlot beginnings to include single varietal offerings of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. They also produce a red blend "Stella Maris" and a white blend "Stella Blanca."
Here are some recent reviews of Northstar wines:
2004 Merlot - Columbia Valley $41
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
In the blend of this intensely fragrant young wine is 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. I like the complexity, the way the primary fruits mix in unusual notes of pineapple along with the black cherry. It's resonant and tangy, with good, long flavors and lots of new oak.
2004 Cabernet Franc - Walla Walla Valley $40
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Quite roasty-toasty, this is heavily scented with coffee and smoke. Smooth tannins surround plummy fruit, and there is enough concentration for a good long finish. The blend includes 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and a splash of Merlot. Just 150 cases were made.
2004 Stella Maris - Red Blend $28
90 Points Wine Enthusiast
A clear step up from the 2003 vintage the 2004 Stella Maris contains 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. This wine titillates with sweet raspberry fruit, leading into chocolate and cherry. It's a lively, delicious wine that tops out at 14.5% alcohol.
The tasting room at Northstar is spacious and comfortable. David guided us through several of their current wine releases with the Cabernet Franc and the Columbia Valley Merlot being our favorites. In talking with him we found out that he is an avid outdoorsman and actually came to Sunriver Oregon to compete in the Pacific Crest Duathalon and Triathalon recently. Small world! We look forward to getting back to Walla Walla to see David and visit Northstar again.
We encourage you to visit the Northstar link on this page to find out more about this great winery.
Northwest Wine Fan has very limited quantities of these and other Northstar wines available for purchase. Inquire by email or by telephone. |
