Sterling Merlot 2011 Wine Review

Sterling Merlot 2011

Napa Valley, California, United States

Community Score:89/100

Community Reviews: 7

Add My Review

Price: $37.95

Drink: 2013-2018

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 13.1%

Sweetness: Extra Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine

Winery: Sterling

Agent: Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Sterling is known for its smooth, full-bodied and superbly balanced Merlot wines. This classic frm the heart of Napa Valley is a Vintages Essential product. Sterling launched California's first-ever vintage-dated wine back in 1969. The 2011 vintage is loaded with aromas of blackberry and black plum. Superb.

This Sterling Merlot 2011 was reviewed on September 27, 2014 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2017 2016 2015 2014 2012

Add New Vintage

Pricing & Stock Information

LCBO
330241
$37.95
Check Stock

BCLDB
330241
$25.16
Check Stock

Reviews and Ratings

Matt Steeves - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Ruby red, this lovely Napa Merlot displays dark fruits, clove, plum, with a touch of leather. Very well balanced, the sweet fruit is perfectly integrated with the refreshing acid and soft tannins. This would be a nice wine to enjoy with a charcoal grilled beef tenderloin or simply enjoy around the fire. Tasted November 2014. 90 points. Matt Steeves - @QuercusVino

Gwen Barton rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Big nose on this Napa Valley Merlot- lots of dark fruit ( blackberry, black cherry) and tobacco . Fruit comes alive in the mouth and is joined by warm, sweet spice and white pepper. Full bodied and smooth. Fine tannins round it all out wonderfully.

Monique Sosa - Accredited Sommelier rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

This deep ruby red California Merlot starts out a bit shy with some light to moderate intensity aromas of black plum, cassis, berry jam, clove and a touch of graphite minerality. These notes repeat exactly on the palate with touch more baking spice and mocha finish. Even with a (high) 14.5% abv, the alcohol is well integrated with fruit flavours, acidity (medium) and balanced tannins (medium). I am pairing this medium (+) bodied wine beef chili and it is remarkable! It is more on the off-dry side so pair away with spicy dishes.

Craig Kuziemsky rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Blackcherry and oak on the nose. The palate offers black fruit and mocha flavors with a spicy finish.

Sean O'Regan - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

Nov 22, 2014: Medium ruby, slight candied nose, plummy, black cherry, clove, baking spice, mocha, vanilla, some green herbal notes. Medium full, plummy, spice, vanilla, light toasty oak, medium acidity, firm fine grained tannins on a medium long black cherry, cedary finish. Nicely balanced, but wanted more complexity/depth for the price.

Jane LeFresne reviewed this wine as follows:

Aromas of black cherry, baking spices, and vanilla with a slight earthiness.

Flavours much the same as aromas with high acidity.

Marco Giovanetti reviewed this wine as follows:

Spice black fruit, fall spices and roasted herbs. In the mouth, ripe and generous with decadent sweet and oak flavors. Mature tannins and a medium to long aromatic aftertaste.

1 Member would buy this wine again

Sandy

If you liked the Sterling Merlot 2011, you might also like these wines:

Add bottle and/or label shots for this wine
Wineries and agents: Add notes for this wine
Find this wine in other stores

Recipes for Sterling Merlot 2011

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

SAVE MY SEAT!

Wine of the Week

As featured on

Veuve Clicquot Sparkling Wine
Rosé Champagne 2015,
Champagne A.C. ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 333,904 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources. learn more

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,904 strong:

Sterling Merlot 2011 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 92/100

Pricing & Stock Information

Reviews and Ratings