2020 Northstar Winery Merlot Columbia Valley

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Tasting notes

Tasting notes
Score 90/100 · Drink 2023-2030, Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, Mar 2024

Featuring 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Columbia Valley Merlot presents a plumy, juicy and firm profile with a black-fruited edge, along with hints of dusty red and purple flowers. On the palate, the wine reveals a robust character with bitter dark chocolate notes and firm tannins, making it an excellent choice for barbecued meats. The finish is marked by a firm tannic grip that will remain food-friendly through the end of this decade. The Merlot was aged for 20 months in 34% new French oak. 26,448 bottles produced.

Critic scores

Critic scores
90
90/100

Average Score

86
86/100

Eric Guido, Vinous

90
90/100

Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate

More reviews and scores

86 points
Eric Guido, Vinous
Score 86/100 · Drink 2024-2026, Eric Guido, Vinous, Jan 2024

The 2020 Merlot is delicate and subdued in the glass, with savory herbal hints and underbrush giving way to subtle blackberry. Silky smooth and ripe in style, this flows across the palate with blue-toned fruits. It finishes a bit short—almost diluted in feel, with a wild berry tinge.

93 points
James Suckling
Score 93/100 · James Suckling, Mar 2023

Notes of toasted spices, dark plums, chocolate cedar and asphalt. Polished and dusty on the palate with a full body and firm tannin structure. Dark-fruited and crunchy, with a rich, toasty, warm finish. Drink now.

About the producer

Northstar Winery
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Product details

Country / Region
Colour

Red

Taste

Dry

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