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.
I agree on quality, but $75 is way too high.
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.
Beau,
Those must have been made by Forman.
Yep, 1983 and 1985 were, as far as I recall.
Most underrated winemaker and winery builder in all of California, taking not one but building 2 wineries from the ground up.
I do love those wines are still under-the-radar in a sense, keeps prices low so we can buy them!
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.
This is not correct. Forman left Sterling after the 1978 harvest; his last complete vintage at Sterling was 1977.
Should have fact checked, when did he help start up Newton, 82’?
I was just delighted they show signs of emerging from the doldrums of recent years.
IIRC he was at Newton from about 78-82.
Thanks for the correction Corey
On Bob’s OP recommendation, I found a bottle yesterday to try.
Have to agree on the accolades for this wine. Very nice at under $50 here in DFW. Will get a few more to lay down.
Seems lots of places have this for less than 40 online.
For under forty bones, this is a strong buy IMHO.
+1
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!