Our Sterling Vintner's Collection Merlot delivers smooth, fruit-forward flavors with appealing richness and complexity. Ripe red fruit aromas are followed by black cherry and plum flavors, structured with supple tannins. Extensive barrel aging in new American oak barrels lends heady notes of caramel, mocha and toasty oak. Small amounts of Syrah and Petit Syrah add complexity and layers, contributing rich tannins, color, and depth of fruit. This wine is excellent to drink now but will continue to develop well in the bottle for a number of years.