2016 Merlot Northstar Winery

The Covid lockdown kept us from our Walla Walla, WA wine trip. As noted earlier, I ordered wine from several area vineyards. Northstar wine sent this Washington State estate Merlot. Well, I had to drink it, since I had it shipped.

Taste=3: The wine was light, not a punch-you-in-the-gut Merlots. The nose was floral. On first taste, I sort of looked into the glass thinking, “Well. O.K. what’s happening”? Continuing lifted up some subtle aromas. Dark cherry came to the front. Further tasting found plum and chocolate. The Merlot finished with a light tannin cedar.

Looks=3: The wine came in a standard dark brown bottle; it carried a clear whit label with the Northstar logo; very up-front for any buyer. The wine poured a light-to-normal red with skinny legs. The winemaker was not selling booze, but a handcrafted product. It opened on a real cork for longer cellar life.

Because of the Merlot structure, it pairs well with different foods. It is for immediate drinking or serving with guests. Takes it as a house gift without embarrassment.

Cost=2: It’s a step up from the $ 15-25 range bottles. As expected, estate wines generally cost more than mass produced wines. A fine Merlot is satisfying.