Member exclusive
Tasting notes
Sterling Vineyards’ 2021 Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the finest of Napa Valley fruit from this truly outstanding vintage. It is a proud testament to the power, elegance, and complexity that this varietal can achieve. Opulent aromas of boysenberry and plum interweave with threads of piquant currant and camphor notes. Cocoa powder-like tannins contribute a satisfying mouthfeel, while the influence of Hungarian oak lends a unique sweetness reminiscent of brown-sugar toffee. Enjoyable now, the 2021 Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon will continue to improve with age over the next 10-15 years. It is destined to be highly prized.
Technical information
Appellation
Napa Valley
Alcohol
14.9%
Winemaking
Fruit for the 2021 Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon was gently harvested in the early morning hours and brought directly to the winery for fermentation in stainless-steel vessels. The fruit was allowed to ferment for up to 15 days with regular pump-overs to extract deep rich flavors. The wine was then gently pressed, racked, and aged for 18 months in a combination of 55% French, 39% Hungarian, and 6% American oak (53% new). Individual barrels are aged separately and are tasted frequently before the final selection of only the most compelling candidates for our Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon.
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
Cabernet Sauvignon is Napa Valley’s signature variety, and the appellation excels in producing outstanding examples of this esteemed varietal. Napa Valley’s ideal combination of topography, geology, and climate enables Cabernet Sauvignon to reach optimum ripeness, balance, and finesse. Within the valley, some exceptional vineyards and sub-appellations produce the finest expressions of this noble grape, truly Platinum worthy. For the 2021 vintage, our winemakers selected notable lots from vineyards spanning key Napa Valley growing regions, including the Ehler’s Lane Vineyard in St. Helena, Meigs Vineyard in Napa Valley, and Yates Family Vineyard in Mt. Veeder. A small amount of Petit Verdot was selected from Bale Ranch in St. Helena to complete this blend.