Northstar 2006 Columbia Valley Merlot (reg. 40.99 ON SALE 29.99 @ Tosti's)

I'm not known as a lover of Merlots but I make exception for those that come from Washington State.  There's just something about Washington that brings out aroma, flavor and passion in Merlot.  Not an easy task as one can testify from all the lifeless Merlots that come from California.  I have to be honest, the wine is a blend but it is mainly Merlot.  Blended with 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine nonetheless gives you a full expression of the power of Washington's terrior.  The Northstar 2006 Columbia Valley Merlot is elegant with powerful aromas of ripe red berries, chocolate, clove and licorice.  The wine is dense - it'll leave your teeth a nice purpley color.  Sourced from a variety of vineyard plots, each lot was fermented separately and matured for 14 to 18 months in oak before it was all blended together.  The result is a wine with muscle and a rich, smoky, mocha finish.  Pair with powerful foods like a filet, rack of lamb, aged cheeses or how about some smoked trout for something really different.

92 pt wine from Wine Enthusiast; 91 pt wine from Wine Spectator. 

HAPPENINGS

• TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 5:00 to 8:00 PM - SALE EVENT @ BANANA REPUBLIC FEATURING WINES FROM UNCORKED  Great day to shop for the latest fashions as Uncorked pours the tastes at Banana Republic stores in International Plaza and Citrus Park Mall.
• FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 6:30 to 8:30 PM - CHILEAN WINE TASTING @ TOSTI'S (5125 34th Street S., St. Petersburg, FL 33711, 727.867.7772)  Get into the line-up of wines from Chile as we pour wines to benefit "The Tatas Tango" Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk Team.
• SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 7:00 to 9:00 PM - SHIRAZ/SYRAH SWANKY TASTING @ TOSTI'S (5125 34th Street S., St. Petersburg, FL 33711, 727.867.7772)  I just tested out their kitchen on Monday; everything's a go.  Mediterranean foods to pair with wines so magnificent that I which I could fast-forward the calendar.  Check this out.  We will taste TWO John Duval wines: 1. Entity from Barossa Valley in Australia (37.99) and 2. Sequel from Washington State (64.99).  I think it'll be exciting to see what the same winemaker does with grapes from two different regions.  Plus, hold on to your wine stems, the Garretson "Mon Amie" Syrah (59.99).  Not only can you not get Garretson wines in Florida anymore but this wine is completely sold out at the winery.  $30 per person; advanced reservations required.  And I'm counting on all of you to make me look good at this first Swanky hosted @ Tosti's.  Call me at 813.966.9001 to reserve spot or Tosti's @ 727.867.7772.
• FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 6:30 to 8:30 PM - BLENDED WINES @ TOSTI'S (5125 34th Street S., St. Petersburg, FL 33711, 727.867.7772)  All kinds of yummy blends & combinations as we pour wines to benefit "The Tatas Tango" Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk Team.