2011 Sterling Vineyards - Napa Valley Merlot (80 pts)

2011 Sterling Vineyards - Napa Valley Merlot (80 pts) #winereview - Deep ruby color with a garnet watery rim. Medium+ intensity on the nose. Bright red cherry, almost arrival cherry, red plum, oak, tobacco, vanilla, earthy, and wet leaves. Medium- acidity, medium- soft tannins (almost low), medium+ alcohol comes off hotter than the bottle indicates at 13.9, medium body. The palate is simple red cherry, vanilla, tobacco, and earthy. The finish is short. There is a slight dustiness to the texture. I do not find most Napa Merlot's to be compelling and this fits the bill. Honestly, this bottle is overpriced for what it delivers, it's not expensive, but for the same amount of money in a good wine shop you could get something interesting. At this price point where you spend your money matters. Boring! #california #napavalley #napa #merlot #sterlingvineyards #wineterroir #wine #winegeek #winelover #winetasting