2016 Sterling Vineyards Iridium Cabernet Sauvignon

I bought the 2016 Iridium on a whim, as the price was $90, well below what it retails for. I could do without the packaging – slippery to handle the bottle and it undoubtedly contributed to a much higher retail price. But that aside, I was pleasantly surprised as I haven’t been impressed with Sterling in the past. Very ripe, dark fruits, with some nice lavender, clove, cedar and chocolate notes. The acidity is medium+, tannins are supple and fine, like a silky ribbon, and the finish is medium. This is a full bodied Cab with a nice, creamy viscosity and weight on the palate.