The 2006 Merlot Walla Walla Valley is a blend of 78% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Cabernet Franc aged for 17 months in 56% new French oak. Purple in color, it exhibits a fragrant perfume of pain grille, cinnamon, allspice, violets, black cherry, and black currant. Medium to full-bodied, smooth-textured, and nearly opulent, it has layers of spicy, savory black fruit, excellent integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. This dense, packed effort will offer a drinking window extending from 2014 to 2026. Northstar's stated purpose is to make the best Merlot under the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates umbrella. Tel. (866) 486-7838; www.northstarmerlot.com

Certainly one of the finest Merlots ever made by Northstar, this is notable for the floral and citrus high notes, over cherry and cassis. There’s coconut, chocolate and coffee, tar and tobacco also—a full throttle, seductive wine.——P.G.(12/31/2009)—— 94