Esterlina Vineyards & Winery

Owner(s)	Sterling Family
Web site	www.esterlinavineyards.com

Link to this site	How to link to an article or review about your winery..

The Esterlina estate Pinot Noir vineyard sits on a ridge commanding a sweeping view of the Anderson Valley. This property was the site of the former Pepperwood Springs Winery, was purchased by the Sterling family in 2000, and renamed Esterlina (Spanish for sterling). the Sterlings have successfully diversified their vineyard holdings and now produce several outstanding wines from Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Esterlina is a tight-knit family operation under the direction of father Murio and his sons. Eric Sterling, M.D., is both a practicing emergency room physician and the winemaker and has an impressive touch with Pinot Noir. Tasting is by appointment. Esterlina wines are sold on the website. Besides the Pinot Noirs, the Cole Ranch Riesling is outstanding. The 2+ mile drive up a winding road is worth the trip to the winery as the Sterlings are warm hosts. 1200 Holmes Ranch Road, Philo.

Articles About Esterlina Vineyards & Winery

Anderson Noir Valley Pinot (Pt I) (7.18 5/26/2009)
Anderson Noir Valley Pinot Festival: After the Smoke Clears (8.16 6/8/2010)
Even More Small Sips (6.63 8/4/2008)
Wineries in Anderson Valley and Mendocino Ridge* (6.60 6/9/2008)

Reviewed Wines

2007 Esterlina Vineyards Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 613 cases, $45. Released May 2009. Average Brix at harvest was 24.2º. Whole berries dumped into open-top fermenters, punched down by hand, drained by gravity to barrel, remaining must basket pressed. Aged 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color. The appealing aromas of fresh strawberries and cherries and spices really draw you in and carry over to the focused flavors. Plenty of vim and vigor with perfectly balanced t n‘ a. A soft and creamy texture adds to the pleasure. Reviewed May 26, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Esterlina Vineyards Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.56, 611 cases, $45. Released in spring 2009. Aged 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · This beauty keeps opening and opening in the glass revealing a nuanced perfume of ripe strawberries, black raspberries, spice box and the faintest oak. Very tasty berry jam core veering to the red spectrum that drifts away on the finish with a whisper of persistent pheromone-inspired perfume. This wine could launch a very intimate evening among amorous adults. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

2006 Esterlina Reserva Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

This one is still a baby and won’t be released until the Fall. It is going to be quite memorable. Grab some for your cellar when it is available. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Esterlina Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 611 cases, $45. 16 months cooperage in 40% new oak. Unracked, whole berry. · The nose is enchanting featuring plenty of cherry and spicy oak perfume. Silky in the mouth, with a panoply of red berry and stone fruits and a memorable finish. Reviewed June 9, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Esterlina Estate Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 611 cases, $45. · Noticeably confected cherry and cotton candy aromas with accents of roses and new-sawn oak. Delicious and caressing in the mouth, enveloping the tongue with rich spiced black cherry and black raspberry fruit. A little woodsy, shroom flavor adds interest. Beautifully balanced with silky tannins and a clean finish that lingers. Love to spend the evening with this one. Reviewed August 4, 2008 ARTICLE »