I was one of the judges at this year’s California State Fair wine competition. Many of the wines were good but there was one cabernet that stood out. Big, rich complex, great balance, age worthy. Until today I did not know the producer. Turns out it was the 2010 Sterling Platinum (97% cab, 3% petite verdot.) Sterling??? I haven’t been this excited by one of their wines since the mid 1970s. It is around $75. It won the award for the best red of the competition. (Over 2000 wines were entered.)
Interesting. I received an offer the other day for the Sterling Platinum, for at least half that price. But, I passed, not having had a Sterling of any worth in a long while. But, I have never had the Platinum.
For $75, it had better blow you away. FWIW we’ve opened some old Sterling wines (early 80’s) that were fun to taste. These days though, it’s just a big commercial winery.
I don’t recall the exact vintage, maybe '98 or '97, but a buddy had bought a case of the Three Palms merlot on release and we thoroughly enjoyed the last bottle around 2010 during a poker night. And I walked away with some cash that night as well.
I just got back from judging the Long Beach Grand Cru wine competition. The 2010 Sterling Platinum was again superb. It was the number two or three red wines of the entire competition… It got a gold medal and a sweepstakes nomination.
This seemed to be popular among the many drinker at the wine garden this past weekend at the state fair. I saw a few tables with this bottle being consumed, even in the 90+ degree heat!