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 2002 Russian Cuvee Sparkling (Green Valley)
- $31
For those who like their sparkling wines a little sweet. This Pinot Noir-Chardonnay blend has the highest dose of residual sugar of all Iron Horse’s bubblies, and it shows in the jellied flavors of raspberries, strawberries and limes. Very crisp acidity provides needed balance and elegance.
— S.H.
(12/31/2007)
Iron Horse 2007 Wedding Cuvee Sparkling (Green Valley)
- $38
A beautiful wine, in the Iron Horse style, with plenty of ripe fruit balanced with crisp acidity. The lime, strawberry and raspberry flavors have a pleasantly yeasty edge, with a slightly sweet finish.
— S.H.
(12/15/2011)
Iron Horse 2006 Russian Cuvee Sparkling (Green Valley)
- $38
This is one of Iron Horse’s sweeter sparkling wines. There’s a sugary edge to the raspberry, strawberry, lime and orange flavors. But it’s not too sweet, and there’s plenty of balancing acidity. The blend is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay.
— S.H.
(12/15/2011)
Iron Horse 2002 Estate Pinot Noir (Green Valley)
- $30
The grapes seem to have been picked relatively early in order to preserve lively acidity. The result is a somewhat lean wine, with moderate cherry flavors and a sleek coating of oak. Balanced, dry, silky and clean, this isn’t a big Pinot, but it’s an elegant one.
— S.H.
(10/1/2005)
Iron Horse 2004 Rose de Pinot Noir Rosé (Green Valley)
- $15
My oh my, is this pink wine tasty. It’s pure essence of strawberries, ripe, clean and dry, backed up by firm, cool climate acidity. Try this juicy blush with salmon sautéed in butter and garlic, with a sprinkle of black pepper.
— S.H.
(11/15/2005)
Iron Horse 1996 Classic Vintage Brut Sparkling (Green Valley)
- $28
Starts with classic bubbly aromas, yeasty and bready, with a noticeable streak of rasberries and cherries. It's very dry and clean-on the elegantly austere side-and a bit rough. There's a core of cherry fruit, but it's best consumed young and fresh.
— S.H.
(12/1/2001)
Iron Horse 1998 Wedding Cuvee Sparkling (Green Valley)
- $28
Very forward in the nose, with spicy rasberry and lime aromas accompanied with yeasty, baked-bread notes. It's delicious and ripe, with a real blast of fruity flavors. Dry and robust, it's a bit rough on the peppery finish.
— S.H.
(12/1/2001)
Iron Horse 1999 T bar T Cuvée R Sauvignon Blanc (Alexander Valley)
- $19
This 14.5% bruiser contains 20% Viognier, which adds a tropical fruit character to the nose and palate. The mouthfeel is soft, with flavors heavy on banana and melon. Woody characteristics such as nuttiness, particularly almonds, also pop up. To its detriment, the oak and fruit seem to be fighting each other more than complementing one another.
— W.E.
(8/1/2002)
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