Northstar Merlot Walla Walla Valley 2003

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Starting at: $29^.99

5 Reviews

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Winery:

Northstar Winery

Varietal:

Merlot

Region:

USA > Washington > Walla Walla County > Walla Walla Valley

Type:

Red Wine

Color:

Drink Dates:

Drink Now - 2018

UPC:

 

User Tags:  berry, spices, smooth, black cherry, spicy, color descriptors, licorice, fruit, bramble fruits, black currant 

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What to Expect

Merlot has gotten a bad rap as of late but there is no denying the wine's appeal. Packed with deep, dark berry fruit and nuanced hints of cocoa, herb and earth with a soft structure. Its velvety texture makes Merlot instantly appealing and an obvious alternative to similar, more tannic Bordeaux varieties.

Winemakers Notes

Tasting Notes Dusty malt, dried herbs and bright cherry flavors are balanced well into this smoothly-structured wine that concludes with a supple, lingering finish. Vineyards Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from some of Walla Walla's best vineyard sites are showcased here. Planted in 1995 Vanessa Vineyards is located on the Oregon side of the appellation and contributed both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to this vintage. Windrow Vineyard produces fruit with small berries as a result of little to no added water through irrigation. The resulting fruit provides concentrated read more...black cherry flavors, structure and complexity to the blend. Winemaking Grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with Premier Cuvée yeast to begin the five-day fermentation. The must was punched down daily during fermentation, and then it was racked into barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation. Racking occurred every three months for clarity during the 17-month aging process. The barrel regime included 65% French and 35% American oak, 65% new barrels. The final blend consists of fruit from 11 distinct vineyard blocks. Vintage Overview The 2003 growing season began with a normal bud break-to-bloom cycle in early April. Warm, dry and constant weather conditions during the summer months created uniform berry maturation. Hot temperatures during the waning days of summer created excellent ripening conditions Modest spells of cooling precipitation in September ensured physiological maturity and flavor development at harvest. Acclaim 92 points -Wine Advocate "...I loved Northstar's 2003 Merlot Walla Walla Valley " TECHNICAL DATA Total acidity 0.60 g/100ml pH 3.77 Alcohol 14.4% Blend 84% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc    (hide)

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