Sterling Vineyards Merlot Three Palms Vineyard 2004

The Wine News ReviewVery pungent scents of plum, cherry, moist earth, graphite and coffee with lightening vanilla notes. Deep, supple flavors of blackberry, black cherry, minerals and pencil. Sweet finish softens the big tannins.Wine Tasting NotesThis lush, dark ruby wine reveals an array of spice and fruit aromas such as black cherry, raspberry, black pepper and cinnamon, mingled with cocoa, mineral and toasty vanilla notes. The palate is rich and concentrated with strong cherry flavors, firm tannins and a fruity finish. Beautifully balanced and full-bodied, this wine will age for many read more...years. It pairs nicely with hearty meat dishes like grilled filet mignon or roast rack of lamb and with savory, hard cheeses like Dry Jack.    (hide)

January 2009

Smoky herbs and violet aromas accent jammy red berry and cherry fruit, picking up chocolate, black pepper and a touch of fresh mint on the lipsmacking finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years.

Love it.

March 2009

The Wine News rating: 96

This world-class expressoin of Merlot offers dar fruit, clove, vanilla and toasted coconut scents. Layers of blueberry, plum, caramel and cocoa framed in a structural core open like a flower. Oak, acid, fruit, tannins and alcohol are in perfect balance. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. -Wine News Three Palms Vineyard lies one-half mile southeast of the winery, on the outwash of Selby Creek where it spills out of Dutch Henry Canyon and across the Silverado Trail. For millennia, when Selby Creek flooded, rocks and small boulders were carried on to the vineyard, creating an alluvial fan soil read more...type. The rocky soil stresses the vines, creating intense and concentrated fruit more typical of a mountain vineyard. In addition, the rocks tend to retain heat longer and more efficiently, insulating the fruit at night. These elements work together to create a unique microclimate and an incredible vineyard from which to source grapes.    (hide)