Columbia Valley Vineyards Washington state: Merlot and other Varieties

We are of the belief that diverse vineyard locations make for more interesting wines. That’s why more than 15 distinct vineyard blocks are carefully watched through the growing season – row by row, vine by vine – and tended to yield no more than three tons per acre. Each block is carefully selected for Northstar because our winemakers have found it brings a unique dimension to the wine, either distinct aromas and flavors or structure and tannins, to make a rich, complex finished wine.

Download Printable map of our Vineyards

Primary Source

Indian Wells Vineyard
Indian Wells Vineyard Merlot is expressive and generous with its intense, fruit-forward aromas and flavors. Vintage after vintage, Indian Wells Merlot is a dominant player in the Northstar blend giving the wine plenty of ripe, fruity character.

Provides Aromas and Flavors
Location:  Wahluke Slope
Soils/site:  Fine sand, gentle south-facing slope
Planted:  1984
Typical harvest: Early season

Cold Creek Vineyard
Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon gives Northstar Merlot its muscle. This is a big wine with plenty of structure and appealing  currant and dark, ripe cherry aromas and flavors. Most vintages, it is a dominant Cabernet in the blend.

Provides Structure and Tannins
Location: South of Wahluke Slope
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Soils/site: Shallow, silt loam; 5% south slope
Planted: 1980
Typical harvest: Early season

Andrews Vineyard
Andrews Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon floods the senses. Its tannins are well integrated with dark, bright fruit aromas and flavors resulting in a complete wine across the full range of the palate.

Provides Structure and Tannins
Location: Horse Heaven Hills
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Soils/site:  Silt loam; gentle, south slope
Planted: 1980 Typical harvest: Early season