Sterling Merlot 2009, Napa Valley
Critic Reviews (3)
This quite full-bodied, very ripe merlot has a very typical hot climate/California merlot nose of fig, cherry,...
The 2009 vintage is ripe and soft with aromas of chocolate, sweet cherry, blackberry and oak spice. The palate is...
Like the Sterling Cabernet, the merlot is soft, plush easy drinking yet straightforward. The palate is soft, hot,...
Community Reviews (2)
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+
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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.
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