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September 25, 2002

Looking for the North Star? New Northstar Winery Opens in Walla Walla

Walla Walla, Wash. – Winemakers, members of the media and community leaders joined Stimson Lane Vineyards & Estates, owner of Northstar, in a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the doors to the new state of the art winery on Friday, September 20.  Northstar's new winery, is located on the outskirts of Walla Walla, overlooking the Blue Mountains.

“Our vision for Northstar,” said Stimson Lane President & CEO Ted Baseler in his opening remarks, “was to build a state-of-the-art winery, hire a fantastic winemaker and make the best new-world Merlot that showcases Washington’s winemaking potential.”

The evening also included special recognition for the growers by new Northstar winemaker Rusty Figgins, founding partner and previous winemaker for Glen Fiona.  Said Figgins, “We are fortunate to work with the best growers in the industry - their contribution to the Washington wine industry and focus on quality will help us all reach new heights in producing premium wines.”

Guests attending the ceremonies included Walla Walla winery pioneers such as Rick Small of Woodward Canyon, Norm McKibben of Pepper Bridge, Gary Figgins of Leonetti Cellar and Marty Clubb of L’Ecole No 41.  Each treated guests to tastings of their own wines as a welcome to the winemaking community. 

Attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and a barbecue dinner created by Chateau Ste. Michelle Executive Chef Janet Hedstrom.  Dinner was followed by an evening of star gazing led by Whitman College Astronomy Department, with their sights set on the sky’s brightest star – the North Star.

The new 14,500-square foot winery features state of the art temperature and humidity control system in the 6,000 square feet of cellar space and 6,000 square feet of barrel space.  The barrel room can hold up to 1,175 oak barrels, stacked 6 high.  Winemaker Rusty Figgin’s office is located above the cellar with a panoramic window overlooking the cellar, enabling him to see what is happening during critical harvest periods.

The 1999 Northstar, released in August 2002, has already received great acclaim from critics nationally.  Harvey Steiman of Wine Spectator gave the new release a score of "91" as did Connoisseurs’ Guide to California’s Wines.  Paul Gregutt of Wine Enthusiast rated it a "94" and “Editor’s Choice”.  Only 2,000 cases of Northstar '99 were made.

Northstar is a collaboration between Stimson Lane and renowned California winemaker Jed Steele. Each year, the winemakers create a Bordeaux-style Merlot by individually fermenting and aging dozens of small lots – the final blend is carefully selected to create a balanced wine of great richness and complexity.  Quantities are extremely limited. Visit the Website at www.northstarmerlot.com.