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2018 Sterling Vineyards Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay

2018 Sterling Vineyards Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay

2018 Sterling Vineyards Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

Aromas of bright citrus, pineapple, and caramelized pear emerge on the nose and are complemented by a creamy yet bright palate supported by luscious notes of fresh lemon crème and honeysuckle. A strong minerality shines through alongside notes of toasted vanilla bean and oak spice. Rich and compelling until the end, this Chardonnay is perfect for any special occasion.

Technical Information

Varietal Chardonnay
Vintage 2018
Appellation Napa Valley
Alcohol % 14.8%
Enclosure Type Cork

Scores & Accolades

  • 91

    Wine Advocate

    “Coming mainly from Star Ranch vineyard in Rutherford, the 2018 Chardonnay Reserve was fermented in 100% French oak, 70% new, and aged for 16 months. The nose is redolent of spiced pears, ripe peaches and lemon curd with hints of cedar, allspice and brioche. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives up mouth-coating stone fruit and citrus layers with a satiny texture and oodles of freshness, finishing long and spicy.” - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

Winemaking

Coming mainly from Star Ranch vineyard in Rutherford, the 2018 Chardonnay Reserve was fermented in 100% French oak, 70% new, and aged for 16 months.

Vintage

A near perfect season, welcomed after several tense vintages, began with abundant February rains followed by drying sun and weather that allowed for even flowering and bud break. The slightly later start was followed by consistently ideal weather. It turned a bit cool in August, mild in September, allowing fruit to evolve. Patience and careful attention to the vineyard was rewarded with fruit of excellent ripeness, well balanced tannins and complexity. Generally, normal to heavier fruit clusters were evident on the vine with great flavor intensity. On average, pick dates were two weeks later than normal.

Vineyard

Primarily, the fruit was sourced from the Star Vineyard in Rutherford, where deep alluvial soils and consistently moderate warm daytime temperatures allow for the development of layers of concentrated, complex flavors led by a lemon balm. The remaining percentage came from The Gamble Ranch in Oakville, providing a solid acid backbone and striking varietal tones.   

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