Reserve Meritage (1986)

About this wine

The 1986 Reserve Meritage from Sterling Vineyards is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, reflecting the winery's pioneering spirit in Napa Valley. With nearly four decades of aging, this wine offers a complex bouquet of dried blackberries, plum, and subtle notes of tobacco and leather. On the palate, it presents a harmonious blend of dark fruit flavors, complemented by hints of cedar and earthy undertones. The tannins have softened over time, resulting in a smooth, lingering finish. This vintage is a testament to Sterling Vineyards' commitment to crafting age-worthy wines that capture the essence of Napa Valley's terroir.

About the grape

The 1986 Sterling Vineyards Reserve Meritage from Napa Valley is crafted from a blend of traditional Bordeaux grape varieties, each contributing unique characteristics to the wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its thick skins and hardy vines, provides structure and aging potential. Merlot, with its softer tannins and earlier ripening, adds roundness and fruitiness. Malbec, originally from France and now thriving in regions like Argentina, contributes deep color and plum-like flavors. Petit Verdot, often used in small amounts, imparts tannin, color, and floral notes. Cabernet Franc, a parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon, offers finesse and a peppery aroma. Together, these varietals create a complex and balanced blend.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The term "Meritage" is a blend of "merit" and "heritage," created in 1988 to describe American wines crafted in the Bordeaux style.
• 🏰 Sterling Vineyards, established in 1964 by British businessman Peter Newton, is renowned for producing California's first vintage-dated Merlot in 1969.
• ☀️ The 1986 vintage in Napa Valley was exceptional, with favorable weather conditions leading to high-quality wines.
• 🏆 The 1986 Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon received a 95-point rating from Wine Spectator, highlighting its excellence.
• 🚠 Sterling Vineyards' winery features a unique gondola ride that transports visitors to a hilltop facility, offering panoramic views of Napa Valley.

Palate profile

Producer

Sterling Vineyards, founded in 1964 by British expatriates Peter Newton and Michael Stone, is renowned for its innovative contributions to Napa Valley winemaking. Notably, it produced California's first vintage-dated Merlot in 1969. The winery's architecture, inspired by the Greek island of Mykonos where Newton once lived, features a distinctive white stucco design and is uniquely accessible via an aerial gondola—the only one of its kind at a winery. Perched 300 feet above Calistoga, Sterling offers panoramic views of the Napa Valley, enhancing its reputation as a premier wine destination.