From Sparrow’s red wine by the bottle list, the Northstar Cabernet is a smooth, limited-production Washington red, and it is $80 by the bottle.
About Northstar Cabernet
Northstar is a Walla Walla winery that began in the early 1990s with a singular focus on Merlot, eventually building a dedicated production facility in Walla Walla in 2002. That deep grounding in Bordeaux varieties shows in this Cabernet. As the menu describes, it is a limited-production Cabernet blended with 13% Washington Merlot for a softer, more approachable expression, and it is left unfiltered for maximum flavor. The result is a Washington Cab that keeps the structure you want while staying generous and easy to enjoy, which makes it one of the friendliest entry points to Washington Cabernet on our Kirkland list. At $80 by the bottle, it is a comfortable choice for a table that wants something real without going all the way to the top of the list.
Tasting Notes
Look for notes of cassis, vanilla, cedar, and almond. The splash of Merlot rounds out the edges, so it drinks smooth and approachable, and leaving it unfiltered keeps the flavor full and expressive. It is a polished, crowd-pleasing red, balanced and inviting from the first pour, with a soft, lingering finish that suits both a steak dinner and a relaxed evening in the lounge.
What to Pair It With
This is a classic steakhouse red. From the Sparrow dinner menu, pour it with the American Wagyu steaks, the Wagyu Sliders, or the Sparrow-Smoked Rack. It also works nicely with the Eggplant Parmigiana, and the soft, approachable style means it is an easy match for the Braised Duck or a shared plate during our daily happy hour from 3 to 5 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northstar Cabernet?
It is a limited-production Washington Cabernet from Northstar, a Walla Walla winery, blended with 13% Washington Merlot and bottled unfiltered.
How much is Northstar Cabernet at Sparrow in Kirkland?
It is $80 by the bottle on Sparrow’s red wine list, available in our Juanita neighborhood restaurant and lounge on the Eastside.
What does Northstar Cabernet taste like?
It offers cassis, vanilla, cedar, and almond, with a soft, approachable finish thanks to a touch of Merlot.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Stanley Groovy Cabernet and the Walter Clore Private Reserve, both excellent Washington reds. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come taste it.