2005 Stella Maris, Columbia Valley -- Northstar Winery Shopping Cart
$29.00
-- "aromatics of vanilla, cherry and raspberry..."
Tasting Notes
“This medium-bodied, approachable wine opens with aromatics of vanilla, cherry and raspberry, along with leather and saddle notes. Concentrated fruit on the palate leads to a soft, smooth and supple toffee-almond finish."
-David "Merf" Merfeld
Vintage OverviewWarm summer months and a cool autumn yielded a record harvest for 2005. The growing season began with moderate winter temperatures, followed by a long and warm summer which allowed prolonged hang-time and resulted in fruit with deep, concentrated flavors and intense color.
VineyardsDiversity of vineyards and sub-appellations within the Columbia Valley are Northstar’s hallmarks. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah were sourced from the best vineyard sites within the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley. Vines are 5 − 20 years old and yield grapes with concentrated varietal flavors of cherry and plum. Fruit from 12 different vineyard sites and 16 individual lots contributed to the blend.
WinemakingAt harvest, grapes were destemmed and crushed leaving 25% whole berries intact. Lots were inoculated with Premier Cuvée yeast and fermented separately for five days with daily punch downs. The wine was racked into barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging. Lots were racked at three month intervals for clarity. The wine aged in 60% French and 40% American oak barrels with 65% new oak. The blend was created after 17 months in the barrel.
Technical Stats
- Total Acidity 0.56 g/100 ml
- pH 3.72
- Alcohol 14.5%
- Blend 77% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah
SKU: 17662
Other products in the category Northstar Wines:
2006 Northstar Stella Blanca Semillon, Columbia Valley -- "lovely hints of tropical fruits, apple and lemon zest..."
2003 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla -- "Dusty malt, dried herbs and bright cherry flavors..."
Current Club Selection
2005 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla -- 92 points - Wine Advocate
"Leather and bright cherry flavors..."
2005 Northstar Syrah, Columbia Valley -- "robust on the palate with earthy, meaty cola flavors..."
2005 Northstar Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley -- "clean fragrances of violets and plums"
2005 Northstar Merlot, Columbia Valley -- "...aromas of cherry, plum, raspberry, and blackberry"
2006 Northstar Cabernet Franc -- "...soft, elegant, and medium-bodied with bright red fruit..."
Current Club Selection
2005 Northstar Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla -- "velvety wine with hints of mint, chocolate, nutmeg..."
2005 Northstar Petit Verdot -- "Black current and blackberry flavors follow on the full, rich palate."
2004 Northstar Merlot, Columbia Valley -- 92 points - Wine Enthusiast
91 points - Wine Spectator
90 points - Wine Advocate
"...bold aromas of raspberry, mint, maple, chocolate, clove..."
2004 Northstar Cabernet Sauvignon -- "...fragrance of cassis, blackberry, raspberry boysenberry and plum"
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