Apparently, I left these two bottles at my parents home 40 years ago. We’re getting ready to shut the house down and I discover these guys in non-climate controlled storage.
I’m pretty confident I never tried these and I can’t find notes anywhere. TIA
Yup… I’ve tried it. In its day, it was a spectacular Sweet CB. Very Loire like. And my prediction, even under poor storage conditions, it will still be good. Try one & report back.
When CocaCola took over Sterling in the early '80’s and brought in CaryGott from CorbettCanyon (Canyon… canyon…canyon went the ditty), there were some 40 cs in the cellar. One of the corporate types tried one… too sweet (well…doh!!) … and they were sent off to the Napa Cnty dump!!!
Tom
I was counting on you, Tom. Thanks. And a tear for the forty cases
Well, David… try one & report back. I’m curious.
Tom
I will crack one in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned
1975 Sterling Sweet Chenin Blanc (Botrytis) - 375 ml
Recently grabbed from a stash of wine that I left at my parents’ house in the early ‘80s that included two of these. Kept in a dark cupboard in their dining room
Clean amber brown robe fading at the rim. Aroma of walnuts, caramel, white flowers, subtle botrytis and a whiff of amontillado. Rich aged chenin, sweet but a fine acid backbone, apples, Asian pears and a quick shot of lemon Starburst. Finish was initially clipped, but with a half hour of air became long, lovely and expansive.
A great survivor. One more left
Thanks for the TN, David. Sounds pretty much like I’d expect it to show. Maybe even somewhat better. Lucky you got one morE left, lucky you.
Tom
Opened the last of these tonight. Brown, brown, brown. RS 7.8%; TA .88%
Botrytis on the nose with a lift of Chenin at the back end. Rich with a strong, persistent acid backbone (similar flavor profile as from 14 years ago). Went very well with the cranberry cheesecake my wife made for the holiday
A big and welcome surprise. I have a half a dozen more old bones Cali dessert wines I’m planning on opening by the end of the year. I hope any of them show as well as this one
Thanks for the update, Dave.
Tom
Ric Forman massively sulfered every wine coming out of Sterling in the early days and had pretty great vineyard sources. Many of the old Sterling wines from the 70’s continue to show well today. So glad this CB sticky survived the journey!