VINTAGE:
The 2017 growing season was marked by an early harvest with normal yields and exceptional quality. The consistent and smooth growing season followed welcome winter rains that helped ease California’s persistent drought. The condition of the fruit coming into the winery at harvest was excellent with grapes reaching optimum ripeness and spectacular flavor.
VINEYARDS:
Outstanding vineyard sources are the foundation for this wine. Carefully selected fruit from premier vineyards throughout California allow the winemaker to craft the best expression of each varietal. The Central Coast of California—namely the Edna Valley where the majority of the grapes were sourced for this rosé—offers incredible growing conditions including long, warm, sunny days tempered by cool ocean breezes.
WINEMAKING:
The 2017 Sterling Vintner’s Collection Rosé is predominately made from Syrah and Tempranillo grapes from the Edna Valley. The fruit was picked in the cool hours of the early morning, brought to the winery and sent directly to press to preserve fruit flavors and to manage color and tannin extraction. As soon as fermentation was complete the wine was racked and chilled to maintain the bright fruit characteristics and crisp acidity.
TASTING NOTES:
The Sterling Vintner’s Collection Rosé is a luminous light-pink color in the glass with lifted aromas of strawberry, freshly picked summer berries and a subtle perfumed floral note. The elegant palate offers a richness that is balanced by a good line of bright acidity and flavors of pink citrus, jasmine tea and orange blossom. This rosé should be enjoyed in its youth, on its own, or alongside a variety of foods including fresh oysters, scallops, grilled chicken or even charcuterie.