Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon (1983)

About this wine

This 1983 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon from Sterling Vineyards showcases the depth and complexity that Napa Valley wines are known for. With over four decades of aging, it presents a deep garnet color, indicating its maturity. The nose offers a blend of dark fruits like blackcurrant and plum, complemented by subtle notes of cedar and tobacco. On the palate, the wine is well-structured, featuring flavors of ripe blackberry, cassis, and hints of leather, all balanced by softened tannins and a lingering finish. Sterling Vineyards, established in 1964, gained international recognition when its 1974 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon won first place in the Ottawa Wine Tasting of 1981, highlighting the winery's commitment to quality.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and resilience, making it a favorite among vintners. In Napa Valley, this variety found an ideal environment, leading to its prominence in the region. Sterling Vineyards, established in 1964, played a significant role in this rise by producing notable Cabernet Sauvignons, including their 1983 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine reflects the rich history and adaptability of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa's unique terroir.

Quick facts

• 🍇 Sterling Vineyards, founded in 1964 by British businessman Peter Newton, is renowned for producing the first vintage-dated Merlot in California in 1969.
• ⛰️ The 1983 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon from Sterling Vineyards was crafted from grapes grown in Napa Valley's Diamond Mountain Ranch Vineyard, known for its steep slopes and volcanic soils that yield intensely concentrated fruit.
• 🧬 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape variety used in this wine, is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, a discovery made through DNA analysis in 1996.
• 🌡️ The 1983 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by a cooler growing season, resulting in wines with higher acidity and more restrained fruit flavors, contributing to their longevity.
• 🚡 Sterling Vineyards' iconic white stucco winery, perched atop a hill in Calistoga, is accessible via an aerial tram, 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.