The 2011 Pinot Noir Napa possesses a deeper ruby color as well as a more interesting bouquet of black cherries and spice. Head and shoulders above the more commercial cuvee, this attractive, medium-bodied effort has excellent depth and ripeness as well as a velvety finish. Drink this seductive Pinot over the next several years. It has been a while since I have tasted through this many Sterling Vineyards wines and I was looking forward to seeing if any improvements have been made. Historically speaking, I cut my professional teeth on this estate’s early vintages (1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975) when Ric Forman was manning the fermentors and producing some truly world-class wines that have stood the test of time. After Sterling was sold to large corporate interests, the quality, while correct, has moved in a direction of commercial expediency. This wine critic as well as readers need to reappraise what’s going on at Sterling. It looks like they have returned to a serious level of quality, which is good news for everyone. Tel. (707) 942-3345

The 2011 Pinot Noir Napa possesses a deeper ruby color as well as a more interesting bouquet of black cherries and spice. Head and shoulders above the more commercial cuvee, this attractive, medium-bodied effort has excellent depth and ripeness as well as a velvety finish. Drink this seductive Pinot over the next several years. It has been a while since I have tasted through this many Sterling Vineyards wines and I was looking forward to seeing if any improvements have been made. Historically speaking, I cut my professional teeth on this estate’s early vintages (1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975) when Ric Forman was manning the fermentors and producing some truly world-class wines that have stood the test of time. After Sterling was sold to large corporate interests, the quality, while correct, has moved in a direction of commercial expediency. This wine critic as well as readers need to reappraise what’s going on at Sterling. It looks like they have returned to a serious level of quality, which is good news for everyone. Tel. (707) 942-3345