Three Palms Vineyard Meritage (1987)
SommeliAI Insights
A well-aged Meritage blend from Napa Valley's renowned Three Palms Vineyard, offering a harmonious mix of dark fruit and subtle spice.
About this wine
This 1987 Meritage from Sterling Vineyards' Three Palms Vineyard presents a deep garnet hue, indicative of its maturity. On the nose, it offers aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and a hint of cedar. The palate reveals a well-integrated blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, delivering flavors of dark berries, subtle spice, and a touch of leather. The tannins have softened over time, resulting in a smooth, lingering finish. Notably, Sterling Vineyards was among the pioneers in producing vintage-dated Merlot in California, highlighting their commitment to quality and innovation.
About the grape
In the 1987 Sterling Vineyards Three Palms Vineyards Meritage, Merlot serves as the foundation, a choice reflecting Sterling's pioneering role in producing California's first vintage-dated Merlot in 1969. Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and depth, a common practice in Bordeaux-style blends. Petit Verdot contributes color and tannins, enhancing the wine's aging potential. Malbec, though less common in Napa Valley, introduces unique fruit characteristics, adding complexity to the blend.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 1987 Sterling Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Meritage is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, showcasing a classic Bordeaux-style composition.
- 🌱 Sterling Vineyards, founded in 1964 by Peter Newton, was among the pioneers in planting Merlot in Napa Valley, contributing to the varietal's prominence in the region.
- 🏞️ The Three Palms Vineyard, located near Calistoga, is renowned for its distinctive terroir, characterized by rocky, well-drained soils that impart unique qualities to the wines produced from its grapes.
- 📜 The term 'Meritage' is a portmanteau of 'merit' and 'heritage,' used to denote Bordeaux-style blends made outside of France, with strict guidelines on grape composition to maintain quality standards.
- 🚡 Sterling Vineyards' iconic white stucco winery, perched atop a hill in Napa Valley, is accessible via an aerial tramway, offering visitors panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.
Palate profile
Producer
Sterling Vineyards, founded in 1964 by British expatriates Peter Newton and Michael Stone, is renowned for its innovative contributions to Napa Valley winemaking. Notably, it produced California's first vintage-dated Merlot in 1969. The winery's architecture, inspired by the Greek island of Mykonos where Newton once lived, features a distinctive white stucco design and is uniquely accessible via an aerial gondola—the only one of its kind at a winery. Perched 300 feet above Calistoga, Sterling offers panoramic views of the Napa Valley, enhancing its reputation as a premier wine destination.
