Winery - Sterling
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A lean and classically structured wine, this 100% Merlot offers tart cherry and plum fruit wrapped in a toasty oak cocoon. Licorice and earth accents and an herb-tobacco note add palate dimension. A firm, lengthy finish, good grip and precise flavor definition mark this elegant offering.
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Sterling Merlot - 1998
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This least expensive of Sterling’s latest Merlots stands up respectfully beside the winery’s more expensive bottlings, which makes it a good buy. It’s very dry, tannic and elegantly structured, with cherry and blackberry flavors enriched with sweet smoky oak.
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Sterling Merlot - 2005
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Ripe, tangy pineapple fruit plays nicely against rich butterscotch and maple syrup notes in this attractive white. On the palate, the flavors turn more to green apple and pear, with chalk and lemon providing tension and interest. Lively acidity supports the fruit well; although there’s plenty of oak, it’s not overbearing.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A sturdy Cab with some hard, edgy tannins that bite, but with enough black currant and spice flavors to satisfy. Might even soften and mellow with a year or so in the bottle.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Though it’s plushly textured and even and supple on the tongue, the flavors are woody rather than fruit-driven, with dried-spice nuances. Finishes dry, with cherry and chocolate notes and mouth-coating tannins.
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Sterling Merlot - 1998
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Thin and weedy, with minty cherry flavors that finish dry and sharp in acids. A decent introductory wine for those new to the variety.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A complex nose of earth, saddle leather, toast and cigar-box notes opens this impressive Cabernet. The deep cassis fruit wears tobacco and olive shadings. Beautifully balanced and classically structured, it finishes long with substantial but even tannins and blackberry and chocolate flavors. Editors’ Choice.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
With its aromas of smoke, chocolate, vanilla and black cherries, this wine pairs lush, forward flavors with firm structure. The long, dark cherry and cocoa finish shows solid tannins. Best held two or three years.
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Sterling Merlot - 1998
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Clean and zippy, with good acidity framing pretty lemongrass, pineapple, apricot and spicy flavors. Has just a touch of creaminess from brief barrel aging.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Dull, with weak flavors, and overly soft to boot. How Sterling could have avoided making a great Reserve in this vintage is beyond understanding.
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