ON-330241 BC-330241

Sterling Merlot 2009, Napa Valley

Merlot Merlot
California, Usa

$24.95 (330241)

  • None
     
  • Drink Now Or Cellar
  • 8686
86 pts
5

Critic Reviews (3)

David Lawrason
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David Lawrason

This quite full-bodied, very ripe merlot has a very typical hot climate/California merlot nose of fig, cherry,...

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Steve Thurlow
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Steve Thurlow

The 2009 vintage is ripe and soft with aromas of chocolate, sweet cherry, blackberry and oak spice. The palate is...

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John Szabo, MS
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John Szabo, MS

Like the Sterling Cabernet, the merlot is soft, plush easy drinking yet straightforward. The palate is soft, hot,...

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Community Reviews (2)

Edward Rasiulis
Edward Rasiulis

Deep ruby in colour with a medium+ intensity.

Positives: Easy drinking wine with oak spice, sweet cherry, blackberry, blackcurrants, leather, plums and chocolate. Medium+ body and tannins with medium acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: Not worth the price. Should be around $15.

Drink now on its own or pair it with something.

Tasted: 23 Jan 13

Score: 8.5/10, Value: 7/10, Total: 15.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3+

8686
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Paul Forget
Paul Forget

This wine is blend of 82% Merlot, and in a supporting role 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Zinfandel and the remaining 6% on specific (other) varietals with maturation in French and American oak for 14 months, alcohol comes in at 14.4%.

You would think will all these different grapes that this wine would be complex and interesting, but unfortunately this is not the case. What we have is a muted bouquet of stewed berries, dirty leather, oak and spices. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, dry and not that fruity, with low acidity and fine grained tannins. This Merlot’s finish has a medium length with flavours dominated by oak characteristics. Not the kind of Merlot I would usually prefer, which is juicy, plumy, savoury and easy drinking. This one feels highly manipulated and actually feels more like a Cabernet. Disappointing, especially at this price.

8585
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