Iron Horse
Founded by Audrey and Barry Sterling, the Iron Horse winery is a small, independent and family-owned operation, which officially opened its doors in 1979. What drew the Sterlings to the Green Valley––a subregion of the Russian River Valley––was the cool and foggy rolling hills that they knew would be well suited for growing high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In addition to Iron Horse’s standard cuvées, the winery also produces a limited number of special bottlings for establishments such as Disney and Michael Mina. According to the winery, Iron Horse sparkling wines have been served at the White House for the past five consecutive presidential administrations. For a full list of reviewed Iron Horse wines, be sure to check out our Iron Horse Ratings.
Iron Horse 2008 Unoaked Chardonnay (Green Valley)
- $26
There’s no oak on this Chardonnay, but it’s so rich, you don’t even notice. It’s all pure, ripe pineapple, orange and lime fruit, accompanied by tart, clean Green Valley acidity. Tremendously versatile with food.
— S.H.
(9/1/2010)
Iron Horse 2007 Brut X Sparkling (Green Valley)
- $50
This wine is a little scoury in the mouthfeel, with big bubbles that give it some roughness, but otherwise it is a fine brut. Among the driest of the winery’s new releases, it shows citrus, tropical fruit and yeast flavors, with firm acid.
— S.H.
(12/1/2012)
Iron Horse 1997 Cuvée Joy Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County)
- $24
A 100% varietal wine that nicely showcases Sauvignon Blanc’s citrusy, grassy, and melony side. It’s softened by barrel fermentation and sur-lie aging, which give it creamy, spicy notes and a touch of coconut. Very dry and polished. Leaves a tart, whistle-clean finish that demands food.
— S.H.
(9/1/2000)
Iron Horse 1995 Classic Vintage Brut Sparkling (Sonoma County)
- $26
A very pale straw color precedes great aromas of peach and apple, with notes of oak, baking bread and white chocolate. It’s delicately fruity in the mouth, with crisp acidity and the pleasant scour of bubbles. This is a clean, elegant wine of great finesse.
— S.H.
(12/1/2000)
Iron Horse 1995 Russian Cuvee Sparkling (Sonoma County)
- $26
Light straw in color, with fine bubbles and pure, fine aromas of peach and strawberry. In the mouth, it’s exceptionally rich and creamy. It’s not quite as sweet as an extra dry Champagne, but it’s definitely heading in that direction.
— W.E.
(12/1/2000)
Iron Horse 2000 T Bar T Viognier (Alexander Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $24
Fans of intensely flavored Viogniers bursting with wildflower and tropical fruit notes wonÕt be disappointed. This oneÕs got honeysuckle, guava, ripe peach and mangoes, in a light, unoaky package. Yet itÕs dry. This is a fun wine, meant for early enjoyment.
— S.H.
(9/1/2002)
Iron Horse 1997 Brut Rose Sparkling (Green Valley)
- $30
Fairly dark in color, it starts off with a bright cherry core that extends to black cherry, citrus and herbs along the palate. It’s creamy, fresh, and long on the finish.
— J.M.
(12/1/2003)
Iron Horse 2000 Brut Rose Sparkling (Green Valley)
- $30
Strong and full-bodied, with raspberry-cherry, dough and vanilla flavors and a rich, creamy texture. A little sharp in acids, with irregular mousse, and with a lovely, rich finish.
— S.H.
(12/31/2004)
Most Reviewed Designations
advertisement
What We're Tasting
2009 W.H. Smith Bronze Label Piedra Hill Vineyard
This Cabernet shows the austerity and dry tannins of a Howell Mountain…
Facebook Activity
advertisement
Twitter Activity