The first week of January 2015 Chris participated in a Mission trip to Haiti. The group she is with Reiser Relief, through the support of God and friends and family, seeks to accomplish the following:
- To provide relief, hope and dignity to the poor, elderly and homeless people of Haiti.
- To provide relief from malnutrition and water born illness by providing food and clean water to women, children and elderly living in slums and impoverished situations.
- To provide hope for the poorest children and orphans by funding education and housing.
- To strive, by the Grace and Greatness of God, to be the hands and feet of Christ in serving the most vulnerable Haitians.
I was unable to attend for the week-long trip so that means I am a bachelor. Chris did a great job preparing meals and filling the fridge. I can cook for the most part but I am lazy. Chris has done such a great job over the years so I’ve grown custom to her food.
The first night I had chicken tenders, her mashed potatoes and green beans. I felt like having a glass of wine with my meal. Recently returning from Walla Walla Washington; I had brought back a case of wine and it was siting in my cellar. Our three-day trip to Walla Walla was eye-opening. Certain parts the wines were just O.K. The southern part of Walla Walla by the Oregon border was the best. It was time to choose…
After pondering and pulling bottles from the case, I decided on the 2004 Northstar Winery Merlot. Northstar Winery was established in the early 1990s to guide the creation of world-class Merlot-based wines that demonstrate the potential of the varietal in Washington State. I have to say they have done an excellent job and have reached their goal.
Sight
Deep color depth, garnet brick hue.
Smell
Very aromatic (before swirling my glass), Fruity-young aromas of sweet blueberry, cherry, vanilla, mocha, and slight spice.
Taste
Dry, medium to full-bodied with balanced acidity. The tannins were medium but soft. Rich mid-palate flavors with a savory long finish.
abv: 14.5%
How much: $45.00
Region/Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: 76% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot.
I tried the latest vintages at the Northstar winery tasting room. The wines were great. We arrived late morning with light snow the day we visited. The tasting room staff were great and we enjoyed our time there. I plan on visiting Walla Walla again when its warmer. I’m pretty sure Northstar will be on my visit list.
Life is too short to drink crappy wine. Expand your palate and keep trying.
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