Three Palms Vineyard Meritage (1986)
SommeliAI Insights
A well-aged Meritage blend from Napa Valley's renowned Three Palms Vineyard, offering a harmonious mix of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
About this wine
The 1986 Sterling Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Meritage presents a deep ruby color with slight garnet hues, indicative of its maturity. On the nose, it offers aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and subtle notes of cedar and tobacco. The palate is rich and well-structured, featuring flavors of dark berries, cocoa, and a hint of spice, supported by smooth tannins that have softened over time. This wine showcases the distinctive character of the Three Palms Vineyard, known for producing exceptional Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blends. A testament to Napa Valley's winemaking heritage, this Meritage has aged gracefully, offering a complex and satisfying tasting experience.
About the grape
In 1969, Sterling Vineyards made history by releasing California's first vintage-dated Merlot, highlighting the grape's potential in Napa Valley. Merlot, known for its soft tannins and ripe fruit flavors, thrives in the region's diverse microclimates. Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrated for its bold structure and deep flavors, complements Merlot by adding complexity and aging potential. The 1986 Sterling Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Meritage artfully blends these varietals, showcasing the synergy between Merlot's approachability and Cabernet Sauvignon's robustness.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The 1986 Sterling Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Meritage is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the harmonious combination of these two classic Bordeaux varietals.
- 🏞️ Sterling Vineyards, founded in 1964 by Peter Newton, was among the pioneers in planting Merlot in Napa Valley, contributing significantly to the varietal's prominence in the region.
- 🌴 The Three Palms Vineyard is named after the three iconic palm trees that stand at its entrance, making it one of Napa Valley's most recognizable and historic vineyard sites.
- 🍷 Meritage wines, like this one, are crafted in the Bordeaux tradition, blending specific grape varieties to create a wine that embodies the best characteristics of each, without any single variety comprising more than 90% of the blend.
- 🌟 The 1986 vintage of this wine has been noted for its rich and intense style, reflecting the unique terroir of the Three Palms Vineyard and the winemaking expertise of Sterling 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.
