Today we share one of the Pacific Northwest’s finest producers of Merlot. For more than twenty years Washington Merlot became a household wine, whether it was the killer value Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ or more upscale Northstar bottlings. For years I have admired the wines by Northstar — a winery who certainly helped place Washington State Merlot on the national stage.
Northstar Merlot has been a pillar of consistency over the years. Even in challenging vintages like 2010 and 2011, Northstar has made brilliant wines. I love the 2021 Northstar ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot (OB, 92) which is a killer wine for the price. Learn more about these great wines at northstarwinery.com and here are my reviews of the latest releases by Northstar.
2021 Northstar ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- A beautiful value the 2021 Northstar Merlot delivers a soft mouthfeel with black cherry and chocolate cake flavors that mingle well with shades of black licorice on the palate. Full of flavor, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 92
2021 Northstar ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The delicious 2021 Northstar ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers loganberry and wild blackberry flavors that collide with dark chocolate shavings and espresso ground on the palate. Ripe and delicious, with a smooth texture, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 92
2021 Northstar ‘Dionysus Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from this site planted in the 1980s, the ‘Dionysus Vineyard’ offers loamy soils and garrigue notes on the nose alongside graphite and shades of black licorice. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture and great sense of length. Great to consume now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2036- 94
2021 Northstar ‘Walla Walla Red Blend’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Walla Walla Red Blend’ is a soft and refined mouth that is seamless once on the mouth. Cuban cigar and anise notes combine with dense dark fruits, chocolate and espresso grounds. Really well-done, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 93
2021 Northstar ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers sagebrush and black cherry flavors with black licorice on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with soft tannins, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 93