1999 Northstar Merlot

“A powerful merlot marked with intensely concentrated fruit. Velvety refined tannins follow this wine from the first sip through the long finish. A lively, well-balanced wine.”

• 94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
• 91 Points - Wine Advocate
• 91 Points - Wine Spectator

• The 1999 growing season began as one of the coolest on record since 1954, resulting in smaller fruit set and lower grape cluster weights.
• The month of August saw the onset of a prolonged period of warm, cloud free, sunny weather and low nighttime temperatures — ideal conditions for the development of intense aromas and flavors in the ripening grapes.
• Harvest began in late September, giving extra time for flavors to mature. The fruit’s complexity and concentration were further enhanced by smaller than usual berry size and low yields.

• Our winemaker selected Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from the best Columbia Valley vineyards for this blend.
• Vines are 15-20 years old and yield grapes with concentrated varietal flavors of ripe cherry and plum and elegant tannins.
• Diversity of vineyards is key to this wine style. Fruit from the vines of 10 vineyards and 13 vineyard blocks contribute to the blend.

• Ripe grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with various strains of yeast, including Prise de Mousse.
• All lots were fermented in 2.5 ton fermenters. The cap was punched down for full extraction of flavor and color during the 5-day fermentation.
• Aged for 18 months in French and American oak, using 75% new and 25% one-year-old barrels.
• Individual lots were gravity racked every three months for clarity, with a total of 6 rackings.
• More than 13 individual lots and 20 blend possibilities were tasted for the final blend.

• Total Acidity 0.54 g/100 ml
• pH 3.66
• Alcohol 14.8%
• Bottling Date June 2001
• Blend 77% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon