Northstar continues to be one of the shining stars of the domestic Merlot world, but in no small part because it is one of the handful that could impersonate the structure, depth and personality of a Merlot from Pomerol or Saint-Emilion. This 2011 is a wonderful Merlot with its best days yet to come. Tightly packed with deep, dark fruited aroma and firm tannins, it requires at least another five to seven years in a good cellar to even approach maturity. Buy now, open later. Much later.
Northstar, Columbia Valley (Washington) Merlot 2011
By Robert Whitley