Cellar Craft Cellar Craft Sterling impresses me again!

[the_rayway]

I popped open a bottle of my CC Sterling Malbec-Shiraz last night and it was GOOD (good enough for me to finish the bottle on a Wednesday night, yikes!) Smooth, round, full of flavour, and just exactly what I was looking for.

This is my third red from the Sterling line and I have yet to be disappointed.

Fermenting a second batch of their California Cabernet Sauv as we speak.

Highly recommend this line!

 

[bkisel]

Thanks, I'll keep your enthusiasm concerning this wine in mind... My LHBS is dropping MM and picking up CC. Not sure what CC series they'll stock but I imagine they could order from the Sterling series if requested.

Is Sterling the top CC series?

 

[sour_grapes]

Is Sterling the top CC series?

No, it is down a notch. Showcase is their top-of-the-line. Sterlings are about 10.5 liters, but most include a grape pack, and they run about $90-100.

I believe Rae was indicating something like "Good product for the money, don't overlook this level."

Rae, how old were your successes aged? I made a Sterling Merlot for my first kit. I tried one at about 3 mos. old, and was still obviously young.

 

[Dino466]

Have made the CC Sterling Pinot Noir twice - great both times and made CC Showcase Amanore - it is truly great.

 

[the_rayway]

SourGrapes is correct, Sterling is the lower end line - and don't overlook it! In Manitoba, they go for $70-$80.

By 6 months they were all doing well. I have the Sterling Amarone which is at the 1.5 year mark and it's really lovely. My first CC Sterling Cabernet didn't last to 9 months.

The malbec/shiraz was bulk aged for 3 months, and bottled in December. So we're at 4ish months and there is a marked difference between it now and a month ago.

 

[kmarvel]

I popped open a bottle of my CC Sterling Malbec-Shiraz last night and it was GOOD (good enough for me to finish the bottle on a Wednesday night, yikes!) Smooth, round, full of flavour, and just exactly what I was looking for.

This is my third red from the Sterling line and I have yet to be disappointed.

Fermenting a second batch of their California Cabernet Sauv as we speak.

Highly recommend this line!

RayWay,

I have never been disappointed with a CC kit....ever.

 

[GaDawg]

I've made a Sterling Merlot about a year ago and it is really good

 

[bkisel]

Due to this thread I'm particularly excited about my next trip to my LHBS (not yet planned) to see what CC kits they've decided to stock.

 

[Broge5]

Glad to hear this. I have a Sterling Tempranillo in bottles that I pitched yeast on in August '13. Haven't tried it yet. I'm a little concerned about it because it was my first kit and I filled the directions saying to top up with water. Takes a good bit of water to top up those big Italian carboys. Plus i left way too much in the primary container with my first racking.

I have my fingers crossed for it though and will try soon.

 

[roger80465]

My ONLY complaint with these kits is that they don't seem to hold up well with food. They seem to need a tannin boost. That is how I handle them these days. By themselves they are great.

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