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theCompass mobile application is a winery, brewery, and distillery locator for North America. |
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Northstar Winery
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Northstar Winery is located in Walla Walla, Washington, a community of quality-minded winemakers that is quickly gaining significant recognition for its red wines. Walla Walla is culturally the “anti-Napa” – it’s cozy and familiar – with an amazing camaraderie among the growers and winemakers. Northstar Winery makes only Washington Merlot. It’s new (2002) state-of-the-art winery was built solely for the purpose of making world class Merlot. 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. Gordy Hill is a true veteran of Washington state winemaking, and has been Northstar’s winemaker since the inaugural 1994 vintage. Gordy is especially well familiar with Washington’s best red grape vineyards, and growers respect and appreciate his direction. Jed Steele is Northstar’s consulting winemaker. This famous California winemaker has also been involved with Northstar since its first vintage. Jed brings a hedonistic, outside-of-the-box attitude to Northstar that is a perfect foil to Gordy’s more traditional practices. 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 Gordy’s specifications.
Northstar Washington Winery produces three wines. The flagship is the Columbia Valley Merlot. Also made is an extremely limited amount of Walla Walla Merlot, which showcases local vineyards. Wines made for Northstar but ultimately not selected for the final blend due to stylistic considerations are used to make Stella Maris, a Columbia Valley Red Wine.
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Directions
Approaching Walla Walla on Hwy 12 from the east (including the airport): * Take N. 2nd Ave. exit, turn right at bottom of ramp toward downtown * Go approx. six blocks to light at Rose St (Marcus Whitman Hotel will be on right) * Turn right on Rose St, proceed approx. 6 blocks to light at 9th St. * Turn left (south) at 9th Street * 9th St. becomes HWY 125/11 * Drive past city limits and Walmart * Turn left at light for Old Milton HWY (just after hwy bends left) * Turn first right at Peppers Bridge Rd, drive 1 mile * Turn left at J B George Rd, drive 1/2 mile. Road comes to a T * At T, turn left on limited access road * Drive through grapevine-lined lane * Turn right at first driveway (long winding driveway into Northstar). Approaching Walla Walla on Hwy 125 from the south: * Turn right on State Line Rd * Turn left on Peppers Bridge Rd * Turn right on JB George Rd,. drive 1 mile. Road comes to a T * At T, turn left on limited access road * Drive through grapevine-lined lane * Turn right at first driveway (long winding driveway into Northstar).
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Merlot, Columbia Valley
A rich, full-bodied wine, packed with cassis and red plum flavors that float through to a firm finish. This substantial Merlot combines both power and elegance through its incredible depth and complexity.
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Merlot, Columbia Valley
The latest release in Northstar's line of super-premium Merlots. Packed with rich varietal character, the 2001 Columbia Valley Merlot deftly combines power and elegance.
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Merlot, Walla Walla
The impact of smaller berry size created in the 2002 vintage is evident in this wine. It is highly extracted with a significant tannin structure at bottling – a bit atypical for our version of this Merlot. While the mocha character that is a signature of Walla Walla Valley fruit is apparent, this wine also displays classic black fruit aromas and flavors. Complexity is gained with toasty sweet oak. In its youth, this wine will pair well with hearty fare, but will best reward patient cellaring for years to come.
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Stella Maris Red Wine, Columbia Valley
“A well-balanced, approachable Bordeaux blend layered with attractive, ripe plum, cherry and black currant flavors and notes of vanilla, cloves and chocolate. The addition of Malbec gives this wine a lush mouthfeel and contributes to the generous finish. Gordy Hill, Winemaker
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