Sterling Vineyards

Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

8.913 ratings
8.95 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Donald Patz

Owner/Winemaker Patz & Hall

8.0

With these older wines storage is the key and this wine was wobbly showing its age. Soy sauce, vaguely spicy fruit was muted by caramel and burnt notes. Not undrinkable but this bottle was past it peak.

With these older wines storage is the key and this wine was wobbly showing its age. Soy sauce, vaguely spicy fruit was muted by caramel and burnt notes. Not undrinkable but this bottle was past it peak.

Apr 15th, 2018
Donald Patz

Owner/Winemaker Patz & Hall

9.3

1978 is one my favorite vintages - aged beautifully.

1978 is one my favorite vintages - aged beautifully.

Jun 22nd, 2013
John Biedrzycki

1978. Still fruity, a little tired. Bottle was still a bottom neck full well preserved. Great for the age, almost like a Pinot now.

1978. Still fruity, a little tired. Bottle was still a bottom neck full well preserved. Great for the age, almost like a Pinot now.

Feb 7th, 2017
Matt Perlman

Weird rubber balloon / uni nose. TCA? Fruit still very much intact though.

Weird rubber balloon / uni nose. TCA? Fruit still very much intact though.

Jun 12th, 2015
Robert Branden Shine

Thought I'd go Old Skool tonight

Thought I'd go Old Skool tonight

Apr 18th, 2015
Virginia Philip

Sadly, on its last legs. The color was Garnet and the nose is somewhat vibrant but we're getting mostly alcohol here and less fruit. The 1997 reserve however it was showing beautifully. Interestingly enough this wine was only 13% alcohol, and the 1997 at 14.3. What a change in just nine years.

Sadly, on its last legs. The color was Garnet and the nose is somewhat vibrant but we're getting mostly alcohol here and less fruit. The 1997 reserve however it was showing beautifully. Interestingly enough this wine was only 13% alcohol, and the 1997 at 14.3. What a change in just nine years.

Mar 19th, 2015
Doug Landis

The 78 isn't as good as the 74 that I had last night but it's good!

The 78 isn't as good as the 74 that I had last night but it's good!

Jul 4th, 2014
Bob Bath

Master Sommelier & Educator CIA Greystone

9.1

Bob had this 2 years ago

Bob had this 2 years ago

Jun 17th, 2022
Nick Demos

Nick had this 10 years ago

Nick had this 10 years ago

Sep 6th, 2014
Donald Patz

Owner/Winemaker Patz & Hall

9.2

Donald had this 11 years ago

Donald had this 11 years ago

Sep 1st, 2013