<h1>2006 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla -- Northstar Winery Shopping Cart</h1> <b>$50.00</b> -- <i>"Blackberry and bright cherry flavors are balanced into this satiny smooth, well structured Merlot..."</i> <p> <img src="https://store.nexternal.com/northstar/images/nor_ww_merlot_bottle3.jpg" align="right" alt="2006 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla" name="2006 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla" border="0" hspace="10" /> <p><strong>Tasting Notes</strong> <br />Blackberry and bright cherry flavors are balanced into this satiny smooth, well structured Merlot, concluding with a supple, lingering finish. Enjoy the layers of<br />flavors showcased in this stellar example of Walla Walla Valley fruit. &#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 />Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc from some of Walla Walla&#8217;s best vineyard sites are showcased in the 2006 Northstar Walla Walla Merlot.<br />The resulting fruit provides concentrated flavors, structure and complexity to the blend. Spring Valley, Anna Marie, and Loess vineyards contributed Merlot.<br />Cabernet Sauvignon came from Anna Marie and Loess vineyards. Cabernet Franc from Minnick Hills Vineyard rounded out the blend.</p> <p><b>Winemaking</b><br />Grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with Premier Cuvee yeast to begin the seven-day fermentation. The must was punched down daily during<br />fermentation, and was then racked into barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation. Racking occurred every three months for clarity during the 17-month aging<br />process. The barrel regime consisted of 100% French oak with 56% new barrels. The final blend consists of fruit from 9 distinct vineyard blocks.</p> <p><b>Technical Data</b> </p> <ul> <li>Total acidity 0.53 g/100ml</li> <li>pH 3.79</li> <li>Alcohol 14.4%</li> <li>Blend 78% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc<br /></li> </ul> </p> <p> <ul style="padding-left: 15px"> <li>SKU: 31734</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/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