<h1>2006 Northstar Stella Maris, Columbia Valley -- Northstar Winery Shopping Cart</h1> <b>$29.00</b> -- <i>"This medium-bodied, approachable wine opens with aromatics of blueberry and raspberry. "</i> <p> <img src="https://store.nexternal.com/northstar/images/nor_stella_maris_bottle1.jpg" align="right" alt="2006 Northstar Stella Maris, Columbia Valley" name="2006 Northstar Stella Maris, Columbia Valley" border="0" hspace="10" /> <p><strong>Tasting Notes</strong>&nbsp; <br />This medium-bodied, approachable wine opens with aromatics of blueberry and raspberry. Each varietal in the final blend contributes concentrated fruit and<br />layers of flavors including blueberry, white pepper, bright red fruit, and a bit of orange zest. Enjoy! &#8211; <em>David &#8220;Merf&#8221; Merfeld, Winemaker<strong></strong></em></p> <p><strong>Vintage Overview</strong><br />The 2006 growing season began with a mild spring, followed by a hot, dry summer which contributed to excellent acid levels, balanced canopies, and small<br />berries with concentrated flavors. Mild temperatures in August helped to extend the ripening period into September and October, leading to fantastic fruit quality<br />across varietals.</p> <p><b>Vineyards</b><br />Diversity of vineyards and sub-appellations within the Columbia Valley are Northstar&#8217;s hallmarks. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Syrah were<br />sourced from the best vineyard sites within the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley. Vines range from 5 - 20 years old and yield grapes with concentrated varietal<br />flavors. Fruit from 9 different vineyard sites and 12 individual lots contributed to the blend. Indian Wells and Northstar Estate provided Merlot. Cabernet<br />Sauvignon was sourced from Windrow, Andrews, Horse Heaven, Northstar, and Loess vineyards. Anna Marie and Minnick Hills vineyards provided Syrah. Petit<br />Verdot was sourced from Stone Tree Vineyard.</p> <p><b>Winemaking</b><br />At harvest, grapes were destemmed and crushed leaving 40% whole berries intact. Lots were inoculated with Premier Cuv&#233;e yeast and fermented separately for<br />seven days with daily punch downs. The wine was racked into barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging. Lots were racked at three month intervals for clarity.<br />The wine aged in 75% French and 25% American oak barrels with 60% new oak. The blend was created after 17 months in the barrel.</p> <p><b>Technical Data</b> </p> <ul> <li>Total acidity 0.56 g/100ml</li> <li>pH 3.79</li> <li>Alcohol 14.4%</li> <li>Blend 29% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, 8% Petit Verdot<br /></li> </ul> </p> <p> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"> <li>SKU: 19401</li> </ul> </p> <p><b>Other products in the category <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Category2" title="All Wines">All Wines</a>:</b> <br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Product48" title="2006 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla">2006 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla</a> -- "Blackberry and bright cherry flavors are balanced into this satiny smooth, well structured Merlot..."</li></ul> <br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Product49" title="2006 Northstar Syrah, Columbia Valley">2006 Northstar Syrah, Columbia Valley</a> -- "Fullbodied, lush and robust on the palate with a long finish."</li></ul> <br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Product40" title="2005 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla">2005 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla</a> -- <p class="rating">92 points - Wine Advocate</p>"Leather and bright cherry flavors..."</li></ul> <br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Product46" title="2006 Northstar Merlot , Columbia Valley">2006 Northstar Merlot , Columbia Valley</a> -- "aromas of cherry, plum, raspberry, and blackberry, finishing off with flavors of toasted oak, vanilla, coconut, mint, and toffee."</li></ul> <br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Product47" title="2000 Northstar Merlot , Columbia Valley">2000 Northstar Merlot , Columbia Valley</a> -- "Big structure with smooth tannins and beautiful oak flavors in the finish."<br /><br />Current Club Selection</li></ul> <br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Product43" title="2006 Northstar Cabernet Sauvignon , Columbia Valley">2006 Northstar Cabernet Sauvignon , Columbia Valley</a> -- "This rich, fruity, dark, full-bodied wine leads with cherry flavors..."</li></ul> <br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Product44" title="2006 Northstar Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley">2006 Northstar Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley</a> -- "Floral, earthy, and chocolate aromas along with dark fruits and coconut lead into the full, rich palate."</li></ul> <br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Product52" title="2007 Northstar Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley">2007 Northstar Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley</a> -- "A robust wine to enjoy on its own or with a hearty steak."</li></ul> <br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Product42" title="2006 Northstar Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley">2006 Northstar Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley</a> -- "...soft, elegant, and medium-bodied with bright red fruit..."</li></ul> <br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Product51" title="2007 Northstar Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley">2007 Northstar Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley</a> -- Aromas of mint and sage lead into green olive, white chocolate, coconut, and vanilla flavors with a slightly smoky finish.</li></ul> <br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Product45" title="2008 Northstar Stella Blanca, Columbia Valley">2008 Northstar Stella Blanca, Columbia Valley</a> -- "...lovely hints of tropical fruits, apple and lemon zest, and the elegance of a fruit tart with its classic pastry cream filling"</li></ul> <br clear="left"><br /><ul style="padding-left: 15px"><li> <a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com/Product34" title="2005 Northstar Syrah, Columbia Valley">2005 Northstar Syrah, Columbia Valley</a> -- "robust on the palate with earthy, meaty cola flavors..."</li></ul> </p> <br clear="left" /><br /><p><a href="http://store.northstarwinery.com" title="Northstar Winery Products">Northstar Winery Products</a></p> <br clear="left" /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><a href="http://www.northstarmerlot.com">14 Hands Wine</a> <a href="http://www.northstarmerlot.com">Fourteen Hands</a> <a href="http://www.northstarmerlot.com">Washington Wine</a> <a href="http://www.northstarmerlot.com">Washington Merlot</a> <a href="http://www.northstarmerlot.com">Washington Cabernet Sauvignon</a> <a href="http://www.northstarmerlot.com">Washington Chardonnay</a> <br />Northstar Winery <a href="http://www.nexternal.com" title="ecommerce software">ecommerce software</a> powered by Nexternal