<H1>2003 Northstar Merlot , Walla Walla -- Northstar Winery Shopping Cart</H1>
<B>$60.00</B>
-- <I><b>92 points</b> -<i>Wine Advocate</i><Br><b>91 points</b>-<i>Wine Spectator</i></I>
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<p><b>Tasting Notes</b> <br />Dusty malt, dried herbs and bright cherry flavors are balanced well into this smoothly-structured wine that concludes with a supple, lingering finish. </p>
<p><b>Vineyards</b> </p>
<ul>
<li>Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from some of Walla Walla’s best vineyard sites are showcased here. </li>
<li>Planted in 1995 Vanessa Vineyards is located on the Oregon side of the appellation and contributed both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to this vintage.</li>
<li>Windrow Vineyard produces fruit with small berries as a result of little to no added water through irrigation. The resulting fruit provides concentrated black cherry flavors, structure and complexity to the blend. </li>
</ul>
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<p><b>Winemaking</b> </p>
<ul>
<li>Grapes were destemmed, crushed and inoculated with Premier Cuvée yeast to begin the five-day fermentation. </li>
<li>The must was punched down daily during fermentation, and then it was racked into barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation.</li>
<li>Racking occurred every three months for clarity during the 17-month aging process.</li>
<li>The barrel regime included 65% French and 35% American oak, 65% new barrels. </li>
<li>The final blend consists of fruit from 11 distinct vineyard blocks. </li>
</ul>
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<p><b>Vintage Overview</b> </p>
<ul>
<li>The 2003 growing season began with a normal bud break-to-bloom cycle in early April. </li>
<li>Warm, dry and constant weather conditions during the summer months created uniform berry maturation.</li>
<li>Hot temperatures during the waning days of summer created excellent ripening conditions </li>
<li>Modest spells of cooling precipitation in September ensured physiological maturity and flavor development at harvest. </li>
</ul>
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<p><b>Acclaim</b> <br /><b>92 points</b> -<i>Wine Advocate</i> <br />"...I loved Northstar’s 2003 Merlot Walla Walla Valley " </p>
<p><b>TECHNICAL DATA</b> </p>
<ul>
<li>Total acidity 0.60 g/100ml</li>
<li>pH 3.77</li>
<li>Alcohol 14.4%</li>
<li>Blend 84% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc </li>
</ul>
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<LI>SKU: 14830
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