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| Sterling Heritage |
| By Radhika Puar |
| Founded in 1964 by an international paper tycoon from Great Britain, Peter Newton, Sterling Vineyards in Napa California is presently owned by Treasury Wine Estates. |
| Peter bought a 50-acre parcel of established vineyard bordering Calistoga, followed by additional upper Napa valley properties, Bear Flats and Bothe Ranch. Besides Cabernet Sauvignon (the most popular grape in Napa Valley at this time), Peter planted Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. In a bold and innovative leap of faith in the terroir, he planted the regions first significant planting of Merlot and in 1969 bottled the first vintage-dated Merlot in California. |
| The Mediterranean white Mykonos inspired winery built in 1971 went through a big renovation including a cable car to the hilltop that was completed in 2002. The estate is a landmark and one of the most visited. |
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| In 2016, Sterling kept its date with Hollywood and became the official wine of the 68th Emmy Awards. In 2017, they became the official wine of the 23rd Screen Actors Guild awards. |
| Proud of their heritage, Sterling Vineyards marks all bottles with the Heritage Hallmarks. |
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| The "Platinum Experience" was a tasting of wine and pairing with food. A vertical of three vintages 2011, 2012 and 2013 Platinum Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon with a pulled duck confit, a lamb meatball with parmesan crisp, and black mushroom on pumpkin puree. |
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Platinum Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Ruby tints that fade slightly at the end, indicating evolution. Bright, opaque, medium thick disk with ruby tears falling slowly. A lovely first nose with plenty of vanilla, cassis, jammy black plums. Made in a hot year – a drought year.
The attack was clean, smooth, and clear. The mid palate displayed tannins that had smoothened with time. The end palate lasted about 7 minutes, a hint of cedar at the very end. This wine will age another 5 years at least.
With the Pulled Duck Confit, the 2011 was an excellent pairing indeed. The dark and jammy berries of this wine, as well as the smooth tannins, complemented the duck so well as the wine cut through the fattiness of the duck.
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Iridium
The stand-out wine. Very distinct looking because of its rather fancy looking metal covered bottle. The metal covering allows Emmy and Screen Actors Guild award winners to get their name engraved on the bottle.
A deep ruby colour with dark purple tints. Bright, very intense, and opaque with purple stained tears streaming slowly down. A shy first nose with vanilla aromas indicating plenty of oak. Oxidation yields black fruit – black cherry, blackberry, and hint of chocolate and spice. On the palate, the attack was clean and clear. The mid palate was very fruity. The tannins are smoothening and the end palate lasts a good 7-8 minutes. The wine will age for at least another 10 years – maybe more.
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| Radhika Puar visited the Napa Valley and shares her experience with vino india. |
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