Sterling Platinum 2011 Front Label
Sterling Platinum 2011 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

finest expression of the vintage, the 2011 Platinum Reserve exhibits the elegant, debonair flair of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich, dark fruit aromas unfold with hints of violet, black plum, cassis, and cedar. The cooler vintage offers distinctive mineral and graphite notes that weave through the aromas and flavors. Bold and serious, the palate delivers density and texture with concentrated blackberry, cedar and cloves, joined by mouth-coating tannins. The rich profile is complemented by a splash of Petite Verdot, which lends depth and lovely floral notes, and Malbec, for a youthful pop and bright aromatics.

Blend: 93.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Petit Verdot. 1% Malbec, 3% Other red varietals

Professional Ratings

  • 90
    The 2011 Proprietary Red Platinum is made from a nearly identical blend with a small percentage of Malbec added. It reveals a similar dark ruby/purple color along with chocolate, cassis and espresso notes, and a medium to full-bodied, rich, concentrated mouthfeel. For a vintage such as 2011, this is a "sterling" success. Drink it over the next 6-10 years.
Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards

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One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.

Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.

SWS361907_2011 Item# 142697