Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon (2015)

About this wine

The 2015 Sterling Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine that showcases the purity of fruit expression and polished tannins characteristic of Napa Valley. This vintage presents more red fruit notes than previous years, with slightly sweeter vanilla tones from the American oak. Classic Napa Cabernet flavors of mocha and cassis are joined by Bing cherry, accented with pepper and oak spice, caramel toffee, and layered flavors that leave a lasting, subtly sweet impression. The wine's structure and balance are enhanced by well-developed tannins, contributing to its rich texture. This Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the exceptional quality of the 2015 vintage in Napa Valley, offering a complex and satisfying tasting experience.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape in the 2015 Sterling Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon, is renowned for its thick skins and small berries, which contribute to the wine's deep color and robust tannins. This grape thrives in Napa Valley's warm climate, allowing it to develop rich flavors and complexity. Merlot, comprising 6% of the blend, is known for its softer tannins and lush fruitiness, which help to round out the structure of the wine. Malbec, also at 6%, adds depth and a touch of spice, enhancing the overall complexity. The 2015 vintage benefited from a warm growing season, leading to exceptional fruit quality and concentration.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 2015 Sterling Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 6% Malbec, showcasing a harmonious combination of these classic Bordeaux varietals.
• 🛢️ This wine was aged for 19 months in a mix of 50% French oak (half of which was new), and 25% each American and Hungarian oak, imparting complex flavors and aromas.
• ☀️ The 2015 vintage was marked by a dry winter and spring, leading to an early bud break and a growing season that produced exceptional fruit quality.
• 🏛️ Sterling Vineyards, founded in 1964, is renowned for its distinctive architecture inspired by the white villages of the Greek island Mykonos, complete with an aerial tramway offering panoramic views of Napa Valley.
• 🏅 The 2015 Sterling Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon received a 92-point rating from James Suckling, highlighting its floral notes, fresh blackcurrants, and firm tannins.

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.