Wine Spectator highlighted Iron Horse Vineyards as a pioneering Russian River Valley winery within a feature discussing the growth in the US sparkling wine category, which is especially promising in the midst of a global pandemic.
Iron Horse Vineyards’ CEO Joy Sterling was quoted several times throughout the piece, speaking to how her family has needed to adapt during this time. Columnist Tim Fish says that the winery produces “excellent wines in what has been a particularly eventful year,” elaborating on the unfortunate death of founder Barry Sterling and the appointment of a new winemaker. On the positive, he adds that the results of replanting the family’s 160 estate acres within the past decade are “beginning to come to fruition.”
“Iron Horse’s cornerstone sparkler, the Brut Green Valley of Russian River Valley Classic Vintage, is better than ever. The 2016 (93, $48) is plush and creamy, with a beam of fresh acidity, while the winery’s Wedding Cuvée Green Valley of Russian River Valley 2016 (93, $48) is a lovely combination of refinement and festive exuberance.”
In closing the story, he says he continues to admire Sterling’s positive attitude in spite of difficult times. “There’s comfort food and then there’s comfort wine, and I think sparkling wines falls into that category. Sparkling wine is about celebration, but it’s also the drink of optimism,” says Sterling. Read the full story HERE
Wine-Spectator_Dec-31_20Related Wines
Iron Horse Vineyards
Iron Horse Vineyards Classic Vintage Brut 2016
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
The flagship of the estate, this wine shows everything the family strives to accomplish. The quality and finesse strike memory bells that say “Champagne,” while the flavors are unmistakably Sonoma County, Russian River, Green Valley and most distinctly Iron Horse. Delightful and complex rising dough, orange marmalade and baked apple aromas lead to an exquisitely balanced palate with flavors of ripe red apple, mandarin orange and hazelnut. The complexity of flavors and textures are perhaps only overshadowed by the sheer pleasure of enjoyment.
Related Producers
Iron Horse Vineyards
Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California
Started in 1976 by Audrey and Barry Sterling, Iron Horse is a standout producer of Sparkling wine in America. Nestled in the cool microclimate of the Green Valley AVA, Iron Horse’s 300 acre estate is home to 164 acres of vineyard, split evenly between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The second generation, Joy Sterling and her brother Laurence, oversee the estate, and have dedicated their time and attention to improving vineyard practices, implementing regenerative agriculture and sustainability initiatives, and advocating for their community and the environment.