Top-end wines from Sterling -- I was too lazy to sort them out

[Bucko]

2004 Sterling Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Mountain Ranch, Napa Valley, California, $65, 1,477 cases. This ruby-red Cabernet has aromas of black cherries, humidor notes, vanilla and generous toasty oak. The tannins sneak up on you – they’re silky on the entry and then firm up on the back end. The fruit is lush and complex and the wine will improve with cellar time; 89/88.

2004 Sterling Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Napa Valley, California, $75, 5,243 cases. Aromas and flavors present a mélange of characters – black cherries, plums, barrel spices, cigar leaf and French oak. Elegant and complex on the entry, the firm tannins need prolonged cellaring; 88/87.

2004 Sterling Vineyards, SVR, Reserve, Napa Valley, California, $50, 5,280 cases. This deeply-hued wine gives off aromas black fruits, vanilla, anise and toasty oak. Elegant on the entry, the wine is very harmonious, with silky tannins and complex flavors that linger endlessly; 88/88.

2004 Sterling Vineyards, Merlot, Reserve, Napa Valley, California, $65, 948 cases. Aromas and flavors speak of black cherries, vanilla, warm spices and toasty oak. Crisp and moderately tannic, the wine needs time in the bottle; 87/85.

2004 Sterling Vineyards, Merlot, Three Palms, Napa Valley, California, $55, 6,146 cases. This deep ruby Merlot is full on the nose, with a mix of blackberries, cocoa, vanilla and toast. While elegant on the entry, the wine is closed up tighter than a drum right now. It shows promise but needs time to mature. Not rated.

California is certainly proud of their pricing. When I can get second growths for the same price, it is a no-brainer for me.