Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (1998)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and complex Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with layers of dark fruit and subtle oak.
About this wine
The 1998 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Sterling Vineyards offers a harmonious blend of black cherry, currant, and plum flavors, complemented by notes of vanilla and a touch of spice. This wine is well-balanced, with a creamy texture and a long, nuanced finish. Sterling Vineyards, established in 1964, is renowned for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley. The 1998 vintage, despite being from a challenging year, showcases the winery's commitment to excellence and the resilience of their vineyards. This Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the rich winemaking heritage of the region and the dedication of Sterling Vineyards to crafting exceptional wines.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, emerged in France in the 17th century and has become one of the world's most recognized red wine grapes. Its thick skins and hardy vines make it adaptable to various climates, contributing to its global popularity. In Napa Valley, the grape was introduced in the late 1800s, gaining prominence after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where Napa's Cabernet Sauvignons outperformed French counterparts, elevating the region's status in the wine world. Sterling Vineyards, established in 1964, has been instrumental in showcasing Napa's Cabernet Sauvignon, with their 1998 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifying the region's capacity to produce exceptional wines from this varietal.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The 1998 Sterling Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon hails from Napa Valley, a region renowned for producing some of the world's finest Cabernet Sauvignons.
- 🏰 Sterling Vineyards, established in 1964, is notable for producing California's first vintage-dated Merlot in 1969, showcasing their pioneering spirit in the wine industry.
- 🌦️ The 1998 vintage was characterized by cooler temperatures due to El Niño, leading to wines with more restrained fruit profiles and higher acidity, contributing to their aging potential.
- 🍷 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape variety used in this wine, is known for its thick skins and small berries, resulting in wines with deep color, robust tannins, and significant aging potential.
- 🚠 Sterling Vineyards is famous for its unique architecture, inspired by the white-washed buildings of the Greek island Mykonos, and features a gondola ride 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.
