Tasting Notes
The dark ruby luster of the 2021 Reserve Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon alludes to the concentration of red and black fruit aromas and flavors found in the glass. Fragrant, fresh summer scents of black cherry and garden herbs greet the nose, while a bold flavor medley of black currant and ripe blueberry entertains the palate. Barrel-aging imparted a background of soft vanilla and caramel, oak spice notes. Powdery tannins lightly veil this elegantly structured wine’s juicy acidity, smoothly conveying the fruit through a luscious, velvety finish.
Technical information
Appellation
Calistoga
Volume
750 mL
Winemaking
Fruit for the Reserve Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested during the cool morning hours and sent directly to stainless tanks for fermentation. Regular pump-overs during fermentation extracted deep color and rich flavors. The wines were then gently pressed and aged for 18 months in a combination of 90% French, 7% Hungarian oak, and 3% American oak (57% new). Promising vineyard blocks were aged separately and tasted frequently before the final blend selection of only the most compelling candidate lots and individual barrels.
Vintage
The 2021 growing season began with abundant sunshine, leading to exceptionally high-quality fruit. After early winter rains, a lack of precipitation throughout the rest of the season created an ideal vineyard environment. Budbreak occurred in April, followed by flowering and bloom in May. The summer saw early and even ripening throughout the valley,and harvest took place under clear skies from September to October, with some early rain. Due in part to drought conditions, harvest yields were low, and grapes were intensely flavored and smaller in berry size. From these optimally ripe grapes our winemakers crafted lush, balanced wines with vibrant colors, intense aromas, and fantastic fruit character.
Vineyard
The fruit for Sterling Reserve Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from these northern valley floor vineyards: Bear Flats Ranch, Frediani Ranch, and Tamagni Ranch. Warm days in this area cool down significantly at night by marine air and fog from Calistoga’s northwest corridor flowing in through the Chalk Hill Gap, as well as by nighttime flow of cold air from the steep slopes and canyons on both sides of the valley. These diurnal temperature swings slow down the ripening of the Cabernet Sauvignon to preserve freshness and exceptional balance in the fruit.