Sterling Vineyards Vintners Collection Merlot (75cl, 13.5%)

A Central Coast California Merlot from Sterling Vineyards, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The winery was founded in 1969 in Calistoga, Napa Valley, and is now owned by Treasury Wine Estates. Most of the fruit comes from the 1,300-acre Paris Valley Ranch Vineyard in the San Lucas appellation of southern Monterey County. Fermentation takes place in concrete, French oak and stainless steel tanks. The nose opens with mixed berry jam and red cherry, then milk chocolate, baked spice, dried violets, coffee and toasted wood. The palate is round and full-bodied, with blackberry bramble, plum, mocha, sweet toasted oak, sage, tobacco and dried cherry. The finish is lengthy and smooth, with silky tannins, coffee, leather and dark fruit.