Northstar - Columbia Valley Merlot 2001

Tasting Notes
“Rich and supple. This wine has a deep core of black cherry and red plum flavors that give way to oaky nuances and smooth, well-integrated tannins. This wine is a substantial Merlot, combining both power and elegance.”
Acclaim
92+ points, Wine Advocate
Merlot Vintage
Mild winter and spring weather continued into a long, warm, dry and stable growing season in 2001 September harvest conditions were ideal with very warm, clear days and cool nights. Canopy and water management in the vineyard yielded a lower fruit per acre ratio producing smaller berries with intense, concentrated flavor Overall, fruit quality was excellent, contributing to the state's fourth consecutive outstanding vintage
Vineyards
For the 2001 vintage, Northstar winemaker Gordy Hill selected sections within the best vineyards that he knows will deliver the characteristics he is seeking. Each grower in the Northstar project works diligently to meet the winemakers specifications. Vines average 15 years old and yield grapes with concentrated varietal flavors of cherry and plum and elegant tannins. Diversity of vineyards and appellations within the Columbia Valley is the trademark of this wine.
Winemaking
Ripe grapes were destemmed and crushed, leaving 25% whole berries intact, then inoculated with various strains of yeast including Prise de Mousse and Fermirouge. Individual lots were fermented separately in 2.5-ton fermenters and punched down 2-4 times daily during the 6-day fermentation process. After primary fermentation to dryness, the wine was racked into barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation. Aged for 17 months in primarily French and some American oak, using 83% new barrels and 17% one-year-old barrels. Individual lots were racked every three months for clarity. The final blend was created from 20 different varietal and vineyards lots to create a wine of power and finesse
Technical data
Total Acidity 0.60 g/100 ml pH 3.77 Alcohol 14.5% Bottling Date June 2003 Blend 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon

Download PDF Version