Northstar Winery in Walla Walla: A Fine Washington Merlot

Northstar Winery is located in Walla Walla, Washington, a community of quality-minded winemakers that is quickly gaining significant recognition for its red merlot wines.  Walla Walla is culturally the “anti-Napa” – it’s cozy and familiar – with an amazing camaraderie among the growers and winemakers.

Merlot is the best selling red grape variety in America.  Merlot-based wines from Bordeaux’s Pomerol region are generally the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world.  In fact, Northstar’s winemaking style is more comparable to Bordeaux’s “right bank” than to New World Merlot.

Jed Steele is Northstar’s consulting winemaker.  This famous California winemaker has also been involved with Northstar since its first vintage.

Vineyard diversity is one of the keys to Northstar’s success.  For any given vintage, almost 20 unique vineyard blocks from around the Columbia Valley are sourced, with a dozen or so making it through the rigorous selection process into the final blend.  The majority of these vineyards are over 15 years old (vine maturity is important for Merlot and Cabernet grapes) and are farmed to our winemakers and Jed Steele’s specifications.