Just over one-thousand cases were produced of their debut offering, the 1998 Northstar Merlot. Stimson Lane's goal is to raise this figure to 10,000 cases a year. It boasts a saturated dark ruby color and an intense nose of black cherries and cassis. Medium to full-bodied, broad, big, and juicy, this dense, plump, chewy-textured wine is loaded. Cassis, cherries, blackberries, and hints of licorice can be discerned in this suave, highly concentrated, and expansive wine's character. It is powerful, harmonious, and exhibits an extraordinarily long, fruit-packed, seamless finish. This immensely impressive wine should be at its best between 2003 and 2012. Tel. (425) 488-1133.

Northstar makes a bold, ultra-premium Merlot. It’s soft, satiny and sexy, with voluptuous black cherry/blackberry fruit, layers of chocolate, and spices suggestive of cinnamon, mint and more exotic flavors. Powerful and complex, yet open and accessible, it showcases the “serious” side of Merlot. Editors’ Choice.——W.E.(10/1/2001)—— 93