New Release
Tasting Notes
A deep, ruby red stunner, Sterling's 2024 Carneros Pinot Noir is vivacious and alluring, folding floral pinches of hibiscus tea and anise notes into luscious pavlova scents of dark cherry and creamy vanilla. The finely honed palate shines with bright acidity and juicy tastes of mulberry, pomegranate, and wild raspberry, nudged and shaped by a sandalwood edge that curves into the fresh, round finish, which features a reflective brightness and touch of caramel oak sweetness. Enjoy this captivating Pinot Noir with duck crostini and a blackberry reduction, or the charcuterie board at your next book club gathering.
Technical information
Vintage
2024
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Los Carneros AVA, Napa Valley
Alcohol
14.1%
Volume
750 mL
Winemaking
Pinot Noir grapes were picked at optimum ripeness when color, flavor, and tannins were in sync. Once in the winery, the grapes were gently fermented in stainless steel to preserve the varietal's delicate nature. To capture the wine's natural complexity fully, it underwent a secondary, malolactic fermentation and then was aged for 7 months in 100% French oak, 40% of which were new barrels.
Vintage
The winter months ushered in above-normal rainfall, and spring brought mild temperatures, both of which resulted in replenished groundwater and saturated soil in the vineyards. These favorable conditions gave the vines a strong, healthy start to the season, leading to vigorous shoot growth and a successful fruit set. Bud break occurred two weeks earlier than the previous year. Summer remained mild with no heat waves, allowing for steady grape maturation. Thanks to these near-perfect conditions, the grapes developed high natural acidity, fragrant aromatics, and rich, balanced flavors. Harvest began in late August at a moderate pace through September, with rising temperatures accelerating the process into early October.
Vineyard
This 2024 vintage welcomes the return to a heritage Sterling property in the heart of Carneros, Winery Lake Vineyard. Here, the San Pablo Bay and Pacific Ocean's cool, marine influence allows for delicate maturation of grapes and retention of bright fruit flavors. Winery Lake Vineyard is set among low rolling hills, which slope down to a palm-tree ringed lake. On a walk through the vineyard, it's possible to pick up both fossilized seashells and volcanic rocks extruded from fissures in the Mayacamas Mountains. The diversity of Winery Lake Vineyard's clay, loam, and rocky soils contributes to natural acidity, complexity, and balance within the Pinot Noir.