Judith Henderson’s Wine & Country Living

If you love spicy aromatic red wines, you might try North­star's 2009 Petit Verdot; a perfect wine for the season.

Winemaker David Merfeld came to Northstar in 2006 and has successfully built a delicious red wine portfolio in­cluding the '09 Petit Verdot. David's sixth sense about when to pick the Verdot grape, his whole-berry fermentation and extracting of the juices at just the right time are legendary. Of course, a long barreling in American/French oak may have a something to do with the success of the vintage.

The Verdot grape, usually grown for the purpose of blend­ing with other Boudreaux styled red wines, can stand alone, as Merfeld has proven. The Northstar bottle is a dense, well structured example of what the misunderstood Verdot grape can become if only given the chance.

Wine Tasting Notes: Swirling the glass nose buried deep over the rim, a complex bloom opens the senses in sandal­wood. With first sip, giant smears of blueberry jam soak the cheeks, layering the mouth in wild violets and a twisted minted tongue to finish. This wine is to drink now!

This week's wine honor goes to Northstar Winemaker, David, "Merf " Merfeld. Because you epitomize the idea of "experience in a glass," yours truly, Judith Henderson of Wine & Country Living, honors you with 98 points of Wine Perfection for the succulent Northstar 100% 2009 Petit Ver­dot wine. Congratulations David and Team Northstar!

Readers, until next week, "Eat Art, Drink Imagination!"

Blueberry Smear

2-cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

1-cup raw sugar

½-cup honey

1-stick cinnamon

2-whole cloves

1-teaspoon cracked black pepper

1-teaspoon curry powder

1-pounded bay leaf

1-cup Petit Verdot red wine

In a pot over medium high heat, add all ingredients and simmer for 40-minutes until reduced by half. Pour hot smear through a fine mesh strainer and discard ruminates. Cool Smear to room temperature, and then baste grilled chicken heavily just as it comes off the grill. Serve with a pile of hot buttered pasta scattered with minced garlic, chopped mint and green onions, and paired with a bottle of Northstar's 2009 100% Petit Verdot.