The 2006 Merlot Columbia Valley is composed of 76% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It was aged in French and American oak, 65% new, for 18 months. The fruit was sourced from 14 different vineyards making the wine a testament to the art of blending. Dark crimson-colored, it displays an alluring bouquet of cigar box, sage, clove, cinnamon, black cherry, and a hint of chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, round and elegant on the palate, it has solid depth and enough ripe tannin to support 2-3 years of additional cellaring. Drink this intensely flavored effort from 2011 to 2021. Northstar's stated purpose is to make the best Merlot under the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates umbrella. Tel. (866) 486-7838; www.northstarmerlot.com

Northstar’s Columbia Valley Merlot nicely captures the silky finesse of the vintage. Velvety, deep and rich, it’s loaded with toast, licorice and chocolate, along with plenty of ripe red and black fruits. It’s three quarters Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, with a splash of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot.——P.G.(12/31/2009)—— 92