Fruit Trees in the Far North

[Burl]

  Hi All  ,      It has come to my attention that there have been some recent (In the last decade)  introductions of new fruit-bearing varieties which are not only very winter-hardy ( on the right rootstock) but are of an impressive quality not previously seen before .   Has anyone here tried any of these .  I am most interested in apples .   The University of Minnesota has a recent introduction called Zestar!  What I'm wondering is if it is as good as described , or is it hype ?   Any other Northern orchard-keepers here ???  What is working for you ?   Do you have any varieties you would recommend from experience ?  Let's hear from you Northern fruit growers !   
                             Thanks !  ---Burl---

[Acebird]

Heck, I would take a chance.  Do you have any idea what the cost of these are?