Sterling Vintner's Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, California 06

Tasting Notes:
The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon nails it, admits winemaker Joe Kidd. It embodies everything that we're striving for with the Sterling Vintner's Collection. Not only does it show great varietal expression with a depth of rich cherry, dark fruit and vanilla toast ? but it is full, fleshy and fun to drink - a classic Cabernet to be enjoyed with all occasions. Pair with rich foods such as roast lamb, steak au poivre, or potatoes au gratin.

Vineyard Notes:
The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from three main growing regions ? Monterrey, Paso Robles and San Benito. The majority of grapes from Monterrey come from the Paris Valley Ranch Vineyard, where poor, gravelly soils and moderate climate foster small, concentrated grapes with good depth and tight tannin structure. In Paso Robles, the Red Hill Vineyard sits on a hilly, eastern slope that draws in the cool air in the evenings, producing wines with a distinct cherry note. San Benito is responsible for ?big, monster cabs? as Kidd refers to them with lots of tannin and flavor, contributing to the backbone of the final wine.

Production Notes:
California

Winemaker Notes:
Patience was a winning virtue in 2006. Overall the growing season was cooler than normal. Low spring temperatures delayed bud-break by approximately three weeks but by June, fruit set and flowering was well developed. A short heat wave in July gave the vines a needed boost to catch up to a typical growing season. Cool, even weather persevered throughout the fall, enabling the grapes to develop good intensity and concentration of fruit. Ideal conditions remained through harvest and daily diligence was greatly rewarded with vibrant fruit flavors and good acid levels.