Tasting Notes
“A medium-bodied, velvety wine with hints of mint, chocolate, nutmeg, blueberry, and black olive, all married with a silky vanilla and cherry finish."
-David "Merf" Merfeld
Warm summer months and a cool autumn yielded a record harvest for 2005. The growing season began with moderate winter temperatures, follwed by a long and warm summer with allowed prolonged hang-time and resulted in fruit with deep, concentrated flavors and intense color.
VineyardsThis limited production wine showcases Cabernet Franc, which grows
particularly well in the Walla Walla appellation. Cabernet Franc is sourced from Minnick Hill Vineyard just north of downtown Walla Walla and blended with Merlot from Anna Marie Vineyard south of the Northstar winery and Petit Verdot from Stone Tree Vineyard on Wahluke Slope. Diversity of vineyards and sub-appellations within the Columbia Valley are Northstar’s hallmarks. Fruit is selected from the very best possible sources throughout the Columbia and Walla Walla valleys. Winemaker Dave Merfeld works closely with each grower to achieve specific fruit quality and yield parameters.
Grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with Premier Cuvee yeast to begin the ten-day fermentation. The must was punched down daily during fermentation, and was then racked into barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation. Racking occurred every three months for clarity during the 17-month aging process. The barrel regime included 75% French and 25% Hungarian oak, with 60% new barrels. The final blend consists of fruit from three distinct vineyard blocks.
Technical Data
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