Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Tasted w/ Matt M from the winelist at Andolino's Italian Restaurant in Sterling Heights, IL. A long time historic Napa Valley producer, Sterling Vineyards' winery sits on an outcropping opposite the mountains on the valley side of Highway 29 south of Calistoga, north of St Helena in northern Napa Valley. The stylish Spanish mission style building is accessed by a gondola from the valley floor. Sterling produces a wide variety of labels sourcing grapes from numerous growers and Estate vineyards from all the reaches of Napa Valley.    
Dark ruby colored, medium bodied, this is a vibrant, complex fruit forward wine bursting with a range of flavors of black berry, currant and raspberry fruits, with a layer of spice, oak and hints of mocha and cedar with moderate fine integrated tannins on a lingering finish. What a pleasant surprise in this high achieving red wine blend that provides a high QPR (Quality Price Ratio) in this moderate priced label.
RM 91 points.    
Winemaker's notes:
With intense fruit and well-integrated oak, this wine is a powerful expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Spectators review:
"Smooth, refined and sophisticated, with ripe currant, blackberry, touches of mocha and cedar, and ending with fleshy, fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2020."
88 Points Wine Spectator

The Bordeaux style blend for this release is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petite Verdot, 3% Petite Sirah, 2% Malbec and 1% Syrah.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1464210

http://www.sterlingvineyards.com/

1 comment:

  1. I recently tried this wine as well and agree with your review. I'll also add that the aroma of this wine is great. Deep, earthy and of ripe black cherry. I especially liked the fact that the nose was very noticable and long lasting, contributing to the overall experience when tasting this wine. I like their Meritage as well. Cheers!

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