Northstar Merlot 2018

Northstar Merlot 2018 is a 750ml Columbia Valley, Washington Merlot bottled at 14.5% ABV, rated 91 points by critics. This vintage reflects a winery built entirely around one varietal — Merlot — using whole-berry fermentation and full French oak maturation to produce a wine with uncommon depth for the category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Winery: Northstar Winery

Production & Heritage

Northstar Winery has staked its reputation on a singular pursuit: producing world-class Merlot from Washington State's Columbia Valley. For the 2018 vintage, grapes were destemmed and crushed with 40% whole berries remaining, then fermented on the skins for five to seven days with daily punch downs — a technique that preserves fruit intensity while building structure. The wine was placed into 100% French oak barrels, 34% of them new, where it underwent malolactic fermentation, adding a creamy dimension and integrating the oak character into the wine's core. Approximately 4,993 cases were produced.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark roasted coffee bean and bittersweet chocolate arrive first, followed by layers of dark plum, cedar bark, and warm baking spice. Underneath, notes of cigar box and dried sage add a savory, aromatic complexity.

Taste: The entry is soft and round, with black cherry and boysenberry cordial flavors leading into a mid-palate of rich coffee and chocolate. Firm tannins and bright acidity provide structural backbone without masking the fruit. An open-knit texture lets each layer emerge clearly, with the whole-berry fermentation contributing a lively, generous mouthfeel.

Finish: Medium to long, carried by medium-grained tannins and a juicy, lingering quality. Cedar, dark cherry, and a trace of dried sage persist through a clean, balanced close.

How to Drink Northstar Merlot

Serve at 60–65°F after 20 to 30 minutes of decanting to let the layered aromatics fully unfold. The wine drinks beautifully on its own as a contemplative pour, where its coffee, chocolate, and dark fruit complexity rewards unhurried attention. At the dinner table, its firm tannins and bright acidity pair naturally with richly flavored dishes — it has enough structure to stand alongside grilled red meats and enough fruit to complement slow-braised preparations. A slight chill brings the cherry and plum notes forward for warmer-weather drinking.

Best For

• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates premium Washington State reds
• Pairing with a special dinner built around grilled lamb or braised short ribs
• Adding an age-worthy American Merlot to a cellar collection
• Introducing a Merlot skeptic to the varietal's serious side from Columbia Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Northstar Merlot taste like? The 2018 vintage leads with rich black cherry, bittersweet chocolate, and dark plum, supported by firm tannins and bright acidity that give the wine both depth and drinkability. Coffee bean, cedar, and a lightly creamy texture emerge from its French oak maturation.

How does Northstar Merlot compare to Duckhorn Merlot? Both are benchmark American Merlots, but Northstar draws exclusively from Washington's Columbia Valley, producing a wine with firmer tannins and darker, more concentrated fruit than Duckhorn's typically softer, more polished Napa Valley expressions. Northstar's use of 40% whole-berry fermentation and 100% French oak further distinguishes its structured, layered style.

Is Northstar Merlot good for sipping neat? Yes — its generous fruit, integrated oak, and balanced acidity make it an excellent standalone glass, especially after brief decanting to open up its aromatic complexity.

Where is Northstar Merlot made? Northstar Winery produces its Merlot from vineyards across the Columbia Valley AVA in Washington State, one of the Pacific Northwest's premier winegrowing regions known for warm days, cool nights, and long growing seasons.

What foods pair well with Northstar Merlot? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's dark fruit and cedar notes. Braised short ribs mirror its rich, layered texture. Aged cheddar or Gouda echo the chocolate and spice undertones. Mushroom risotto highlights the earthy, savory elements. Dark chocolate desserts harmonize with the bittersweet finish.

What sizes does Northstar Merlot come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Northstar Merlot worth the price? Northstar Merlot positions as a premium Columbia Valley expression competing with top-tier American Merlots. Its single-varietal focus, 100% French oak aging, and consistent critical scores around 91 points place it firmly in the upper tier of Washington State reds, offering strong value at its price point relative to comparable Napa Valley bottlings.

Why Northstar Merlot?

Where most wineries spread their attention across a portfolio of varietals, Northstar has staked everything on Merlot — and the 2018 vintage validates that gamble. The whole-berry fermentation at cooler temperatures softens Washington's naturally firm tannin profile without sacrificing structure, while 100% French oak aging with 34% new barrels integrates rather than dominates the fruit. The result is a 91-point wine that stands among the strongest arguments for Columbia Valley Merlot as a serious varietal, not simply a blending partner. For anyone who wrote off Merlot after the Pinot Noir boom, this bottle is a compelling reason to reconsider.