Washington Merlot definitely deserves its spot on the world stage. Those wines exude class with their sagebrush and chocolate profiles with coffee and black fruits. I have long admired the Northstar Merlot bottlings and these wines have been a pillar of consistency over the past twenty years. You will also find these on the shelves of wine shops across the country.
Even in tough vintages Northstar has made brilliant wines. Check out the 2022 Northstar ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot (OB, 93) which is a sensational and fresh bottling for the price. Learn more about these great wines at northstarwinery.com and here are my reviews of the latest releases by Northstar.
2022 Northstar ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2022 Northstar ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Red Wine is pillowy and soft on the mouth with a lush mouthfeel. Black licorice and anise seed combine with red bell pepper and shades of dark chocolate shavings on the palate. Drink 2025-2032- 92
2022 Northstar ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- A generous and broad-shouldered Merlot despite the coolness of the vintage, the 2022 Northstar ‘Columbia Valley’ is concatenated, delicious stuff that is already neatly evolved. Blackberry compote, black cherry and milk chocolate flavors mingle with fresh sage and suggestions of tar on the palate. A really good wine for the price, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93
2022 Northstar ‘Premier’ Merlot- The 2022 Northstar ‘Premier’ Merlot is a dense, well-structured and viscous effort that has a long way to go in the cellar. Dense dark fruits mingle well with sweet pipe tobacco, chocolate pie and shades of black licorice on the palate. Round, broad-shouldered and heady, this really shines with a bright acid backbone and luxurious viscosity. Drink 2025-2040- 94
2022 Northstar ‘Premier’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Northstar ‘Premier’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers roasted figs and dried herbs on the nose alongside rocky nuances. Silky and refined on the mouth, with good tension, this is drinking beautifully right now with its generous core of dark fruits and espresso bean flavors. Drink 2025-2035- 93