Northstar Winery, Walla Walla Valley (United States) 2016

 Northstar’s first vintage was in 1994 and the state-of-the-art winery was built in 2002.  In its earliest years, Northstar was guided by California’s well-known winemaker, Jed Steele.  It is part of the Ste. Michelle portfolio which was recently sold.  The 2028 Red Blend is made from 51% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc.  The barrel regime consisted of 100% French oak with 38% new barrels for 18 months.  It is definitely not shy, with wide open aromas of herbs and ripe, dark cherries, and is rich and silky smooth on the palate.  Plush and beautifully textured, it finishes long with sweet, toasty oak notes.  It does throw some sediment, so decanting is recommended.