Nose
The Sterling Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon opens with dark fruit aromas of blackberry, bramble and mocha.
Palate
The mountain fruit used in the blend gives the wine firm structure yet the juicy fruit core and plush mouthfeel make it seductive and approachable. The concentrated flavors of berries and black plum are balanced by oak spice, fine tannins and good acidity, leaving a long, flavorful finish.
Growing Conditions
2014 was a beautiful, near-textbook vintage for the Napa Valley—along the lines of the recent outstanding vintages of 2012 and 2013. Although California’s drought brought another dry winter, the growing season started with a warm, dry spring and relatively early bud break. Summer temperatures remained mild and consistent, and grapes for the 2014 Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon were harvested between September 15 and October 14. The overall outstanding quality and fruit characteristics in this vintage will make Bordeaux varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, the highlight of the season.
Winemaking
After being hand harvested and hand sorted upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were fermented on the skins for 12 to 20 days. The wine was then gently pressed, racked and aged for 19 months in 100 percent French oak (75 percent new). Each lot was kept separate until final blending, allowing Winemaker Harry Hansen the flexibility to select the most expressive individual barrels for the final Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
