Northstar - Columbia Valley Merlot 2002

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A rich, full-bodied wine, packed with cassis and red plum flavors that float through to a firm finish. This substantial Merlot combines both power and elegance through its incredible depth and complexity.
Acclaim
GOLD - West Coast Wine Competition
Merlot Vintage
The 2002 growing season began cool, then warm temperatures in the high 90’s put the crop ahead of schedule in some areas. Harvest began as early as September 9. Cool weather hit in late September, slowing down activity and allowing fruit to mature and intensify flavors. Fruit characterized by small berries and well-balanced flavors contributed to the state’s fifth straight outstanding vintage.
Vineyards
Diversity of vineyards and sub-appellations within the Columbia Valley are the trademark of this wine. For the 2002 vintage, Northstar winemaker Gordy Hill selected small sections within the best vineyards that he knows will deliver the characteristics he is seeking. Each grower for Northstar works diligently to meet the winemaker's specifications for fruit quality and yield. Vines average 15 years old and yield grapes with concentrated varietal flavors of cherry and plum with elegant tannins. Fruit from 11 different vineyards contributed to the final blend.
Winemaking
Ripe grapes are destemmed and crushed, leaving 25% whole berries intact, then inoculated with Premier Cuvée yeast. Individual lots were fermented separately and gently pumped over twice daily during the 7-day fermentation period. After primary fermentation, the wine was racked into barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation. Aged for 18 months in primarily French and some American oak, using 90% new and 10% one-year-old barrels. Individual lots were racked every three months for clarity for a total of six rackings. The final blend was created with selections from 17 different individual lots of finished wine, which were kept separate since crush, fermentation and through aging, to create a wine of power and finesse.
Technical data
Total Acidity 0.65 g/100 ml pH 3.63 Alcohol 14.2% Bottling Date June 2004 Blend 76% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot

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