From Sparrow’s red wine by the bottle list, the Northstar Merlot 2023 is a Washington benchmark, made by a winery built around the idea that Merlot can be world-class ($75 by the bottle). For a Kirkland table that wants to taste what Washington Merlot does best, this is the one.
About Northstar Merlot
Northstar Winery was founded in the Walla Walla Valley with a single-minded focus, to make Merlots that belong among the best in the world. Since its first vintage in 1994, Northstar has chased that goal, sourcing top fruit from the Walla Walla and Columbia Valleys and working in a style closer to the great Merlot-based wines of Bordeaux’s Right Bank than to a simple everyday red. This 2023 bottling draws its choice grapes primarily from the Canoe Ridge Estate in the Horse Heaven Hills, a warm, wind-swept growing area above the Columbia River that is prized for ripe, structured red wines. The menu describes it as Northstar’s most touted vintage in recent years, a sign of how well the fruit came together that season.
Tasting Notes
The menu calls this 2023 plush, yet elegant with complex structure and vibrant fruit. That captures Washington Merlot at its best, generous and round on the palate but with the backbone and freshness that keeps it interesting. Expect ripe dark fruit, a smooth, layered body, and the kind of structure that lets it pair with serious food rather than just standing alone.
What to Pair It With
Merlot is one of the most food-friendly reds there is. From the Sparrow dinner menu, pour it with the Braised Duck, one of the American Wagyu steaks, or the Eggplant Parmigiana. Its plush fruit also flatters the Sparrow-Smoked Rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Northstar Merlot from?
Northstar is a Washington winery founded in the Walla Walla Valley with a focus on Merlot. This 2023 vintage draws its grapes primarily from the Canoe Ridge Estate in the Horse Heaven Hills.
How much is Northstar Merlot at Sparrow?
Northstar Merlot is $75 by the bottle at Sparrow in Kirkland, on our red wine by the bottle list.
What is Northstar known for?
Northstar was established with a singular focus on Merlot and has built its reputation on making Washington Merlots considered among the best in the world since its first vintage in 1994.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Devona Merlot and the Northstar Cabernet. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come pour a glass.