Sterling Vineyards Chardonnay Napa Valley Reserve 2007

90 Points - Wine Spectator Sweeping aromas of toffee, nutmeg and clove settle on rich apple pie, baked pear and macerated Meyer lemon in the potent, polished profile of our 2007 Reserve Chardonnay. C

Rich and complex, our 2006 Reserve Chardonnay reveals lush aromas of ripe apple, pear, flowers, creme brulee and toasty oak. The beautifully balanced flavors first mirror the fruity aromas, and then pick up yellow peach, light honey and hazelnut notes mid-palate. You?ll find an intriguing clove note on the expansive, fruit-imbued finish. Pair our Reserve Chardonnay with rich and creamy first courses or entrees, like lobster bisque, smoked salmon crepes or pasta with four cheeses.At the winery, we gently pressed the grapes, allowed the juice to settle and then transferred the juice to small barrels for the primary fermentation. To round and soften the acidity, we allowed half of the wine to complete malolactic fermentation. We stirred the wine (batonnage) every three weeks to re-suspend the yeast lees and integrate flavors. More than a year of sur lie aging in oak barrels enhanced this wine?s creamy texture and long finish, while contributing hints of oak spice.

The opulent tropical and floral aromas meld with luscious ripe pear and apple flavors, framed by a lingering, nutty, toasty-vanilla finish.

Tight and still a bit coarse in texture, showing a spicy, subtle citrus, green apple and pear focus, with hints of hazelnut on the finish. Gains complexity. This is worthy of short-term cellaring. Drink now through 2012. 1,500 cases made. -JL Wine Spectator. A Chardonnay wine from California in USA. 2005 Sterling Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 750ml

Tight and still a bit coarse in texture, showing a spicy, subtle citrus, green apple and pear focus, with hints of hazelnut on the finish. Gains complexity. This is worthy of short-term cellaring.

A Chardonnay wine from California in USA. 2005 Sterling Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 750ml

Quarterly Review of Wine ReviewIs marked by toasty oak nuances supporting bright, ripe apple and pear-like fruit perceptions. All winemaking techniques have come together in a seamless whole with attractive aromatics and rich, creamy mouthfeel.Wine Tasting NotesThe Sterling Reserve Chardonnay is a brilliant golden straw color. The wine opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe pear, apple pie, toasty/smoky oak and caramel with slight floral overtones. A soft, creamy entry is followed by flavors of caramel apple, ripe pear, honey and hazelnuts. This rich, complex wine is wonderful with baked salmon in dill cream sauce and with tarragon chicken.