Chocolate, blackberries, and cassis can be found in the nose of the 2001 Merlot Walla Walla Valley (86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon – 5,500 cases). This embracing, warm wine has a medium-bodied character packed with chunky layers of licorice, black fruits, and notes of road tar. Rustic and firm, it reveals outstanding depth of fruit. Projected maturity: 2007-2017. Tel. (866) 486-7828 www.northstarmerlot.com

This is the second vintage for Northstar’s Walla Walla bottling, and the vintage is slightly better, with more substantial weight and tannin. Walla Walla strawberry fruit flavors are here in abundance, with nicely managed oak and a long, smooth mid-palate. ——P.G.(7/1/2004)—— 90