<h1>2003 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla -- Northstar Winery Shopping Cart</h1> <b>$50.00</b> -- <i>"Dusty malt, dried herbs and bright cherry flavors..."</i> <p> <img src="https://store.nexternal.com/northstar/images/nor_ww_merlot_bottle4.jpg" align="right" alt="2003 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla" name="2003 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla" border="0" hspace="10" /> <p><strong>Tasting Notes</strong>&nbsp; <br />Dusty malt, dried herbs and bright cherry flavors are balanced well into this smoothly-structured wine that concludes with a supple, lingering finish. &#8211; <em>David &#8220;Merf&#8221; Merfeld, Winemaker<strong></strong></em></p> <p><strong>Vintage Overview</strong>&nbsp; <br />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.</p> <p><b>Vineyards</b> <br />Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from some of Walla Walla&#8217;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 black cherry flavors, structure and complexity to the blend.</p> <p><b>Winemaking</b> <br />Grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with Premier Cuv&#233;e yeast<br />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.</p> <p><b>Technical Data</b></p> <ul> <li>Total acidity 0.60 g/100ml</li> <li>pH 3.77</li> <li>Alcohol 14.4%</li> <li>Blend 84% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc</li> </ul> </p> <p> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"> <li>SKU: 15673</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/Product50" title="2006 Northstar Stella Maris, Columbia Valley">2006 Northstar Stella Maris, Columbia Valley</a> -- "This medium-bodied, approachable wine opens with aromatics of blueberry and raspberry. "</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