2006 Sterling Merlot Three Palms Vineyards

"This lush, dark ruby wine reveals an array of spice and fruit aromas such as black cherry, raspberry, black pepper and cinnamon, mingled with cocoa, mineral and toasty vanilla notes. The palate is rich and concentrated with strong cherry flavors, firm tannins and a fruity finish. Beautifully balanced and full-bodied, this wine will age for many years."

the vineyard: Three Palms Vineyard lies one-half mile southeast of Sterling's winery, on the outwash of Selby Creek where it spills out of Dutch Henry Canyon and across the Silverado Trail. For millennia, when Selby Creek flooded, rocks and small boulders were carried on to the vineyard, creating an alluvial fan soil type. The rocky soil stresses the vines, creating intense and concentrated fruit more typical of a mountain vineyard. In addition, the rocks tend to retain heat longer and more efficiently, insulating the fruit at night. These elements work together to create a unique microclimate and an incredible vineyard from which to source grapes.