Northstar Merlot Columbia Valley is a premium Washington State red wine from Northstar Winery, a producer wholly owned by Chateau Ste. Michelle and founded with a singular mission: crafting world-class Merlot from Columbia Valley's finest vineyards. Each vintage is handcrafted from the best of the harvest to showcase the unique character of Washington State's premier wine-growing region.

The wine is a rich, Bordeaux-inspired blend of approximately 81% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot, sourced from carefully selected Columbia Valley vineyards. Columbia Valley provides exceptional growing conditions with over 300 days of sunshine annually, just 6 to 10 inches of rainfall due to the Cascade Mountains' rain shadow, and dramatic 40-degree diurnal temperature swings during the growing season — factors that produce grapes of remarkable concentration and complexity.

On the nose, the wine opens with aromas of black cherry, plum, dried sage, vanilla, and oak. The palate is medium to full-bodied with an appealingly open-knit texture, flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, licorice, and cedar, and medium-grained tannins on a long, satisfying finish. Wine Spectator described it as "appealingly structured" with "black cherry and dried sage flavors that finish with medium-grained tannins" and recommends drinking through 2031. This is a Merlot that many Cabernet Sauvignon lovers will appreciate, and it represents outstanding value at Costco pricing compared to its $37 to $42 suggested retail price. It pairs beautifully with herbed leg of lamb, grilled steaks, braised short ribs, and hearty pasta dishes. Alcohol: approximately 14.8% by volume.