The 2010 Merlot Columbia Valley gives up a fabulous perfume of ripe black fruits, plum, asphalt, licorice, tar and assorted meatiness to go with a full-bodied, seamless and elegant feel on the palate. A blend of 70% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in 95% French oak (57% new). it opens up beautifully in the glass, has building tannin and a great finish. It will continue to shine through 2025. These three Northstar Merlot releases all knocked it out of the park.