Northstar Winery 2007 Columbia Valley Merlot -- Wine Review

Northstar Winery
2007 Columbia Valley Merlot
Columbia Valley, WA

Northstar's goal is to create some of the finest Merlot in the world, and their location in Washington State's Columbia Valley is considered by many to be the best place in America to grow the noble grape. The winery uses Merlot grown in different areas throughout the Valley, blending to create complex wines that truly express the region. In addition to two different Merlots, the winery produces a Semillon, Cabernet, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah. The 2007 Columbia Valley Merlot combines fruit from 14 different vineyards and is blended with 20 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 per cent Petit Verdot. Fruit flavors dominate on both the nose and palate. Ripe raspberry, blackberry, pomegranate and cherry offer big body and sweetness with underlying notes of vanilla, toast, espresso and clove lingering at the back of the palate. Its fine grain tannins make it easy to drink, but it is nicely structured and would hold up to aging. Try it with grilled pork or herb-crusted turkey. The wine's sweet fruit flavors would also make a nice foil for the gamey flavors of lamb or venison. For something different, try it as the accompaniment to a naturally sweetened blackberry pie.

Rating: 14/20
Price: $41

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For more information, visit www.northstarwinery.com