Sterling - Merlot Napa Valley (750ml)

Merlot is a benchmark varietal for Sterling and we take great pride in this wine. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks for about 9 days. Keeping the lots separate, we put the wine to barrel, some before malolactic fermentation and some after. After 12 months of aging in a combination of new and used barrels, the various lots were blended and bottled. Small amounts of the other Bordelaise varietals add a note of complexity to the finished wine. Bright ruby in color, this lovely wine offers aromas of ripe black cherries, raspberries and cedar. Luscious fruit flavors of blackberries and cherries accented by a touch of toasty oak lead to a long, silky finish. Enjoy this wine paired with grilled New York steak, roast lamb and aged cheeses. The smooth, silky tannins make it a good match for rich chocolate desserts as well.

This least expensive of Sterling?s latest Merlots stands up respectfully beside the winery?s more expensive bottlings, which makes it a good buy. It?s very dry, tannic and elegantly structured, with cherry and blackberry flavors enriched with sweet smoky oak. —Steve Heimoff,