Winemaker Notes
Grown in top vineyards across the Napa Valley, Starmont Cabernet lots were hand selected for their rich, robust flavors and fine tannins. Very dark red in color, with aromas of dark berries and some herbs with background notes of baking spices. Fruit flavors along with subtle toasty oak are framed by well balanced acidity and well resolved tannins. The finish shows great structure with well integrated tannins. Theirs is a restrained style Napa Cab, not over-ripe or overly extracted. Meant to be balanced and approachable on its own, and also pair well with food.
Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 6% Petite Sirah and 4% Malbec.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Assertively toasty and spicy oak aromas sit across an array of ripe dark-berry aromas that lead to a palate that offers plump plum and mocha flavors. Still needs to come together. Try from 2020.
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Wine Enthusiast
Tones of black currant and oak highlight the light-bodied, elegant palate. Interwoven tannins offer a velvety texture, while the tart black fruit is adorned by accents of cedar, graphite and a hint of dark chocolate.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.