Sterling Vintner's Collection Merlot 2009, Central Coast, California
Merlot
California, Usa
$16.00 (622837)
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88
87
86
85
Critic Reviews (3)
A vibrant juicy merlot with very subtle oak treatment that's a step up from the 2007. It is fresh and pure with...
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A juicy and exuberant merlot at an accessible price. Very good depth of flavour with appealing aromas, concentrated...
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Shocked? Yup – a more than decent Cali Merlot for $15. I know! What less could you expect however from a pioneering...
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Community Reviews (10)
had with a lamb meatloaf, a great pairing. Roast beef or lamb would also work nicely. Decant 1hr - very nice.
90
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Sterling Vintner’s Merlot 2009 ($15.95; score 90)
Based in Napa, Sterling was founded in 1964 by Englishman Peter Newton, a former Financial Times writer. It carved out a reputation for merlot, and this relatively affordable red is part of a product line that sources fruit from vineyards to the south, between Monterey and Paso Robles. It’s full-bodied and chewy, with firm structure offering flavours of blackberry, chocolate and vanilla. It would be a sterling choice for roast beef or lamb. $14.99 in B.C., $15.75 in Sask., $14.99 in N.S., $15.49 in Nfld., $16.49 in P.E.I.
90
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This is a rather pleasant, easy drinking wine. While reasonably smooth, it does not have enough complexity or length to rate it a 90. But it is a decent value for the price.
89
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Mint, cherries, and dark chocolate on the nose. There is plenty of fruit on the palate but the tannins is still a bit harsh.
89
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Quite a nice nose of dark fruit, chocolate and floral notes. The palate is smooth, fruit forward with some spice and a hint of sweetness but it lacks depth and power and so the flavours ultimately seem dilute. Not bad for the price, but there are better bargains out there.
88
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Fresh, lively fruit dominated by black cherry and strawberry with nicely floral notes. Light tannins, but lacks complexity. Less body, oak and sweetness than a typical California Merlot.
88
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NR