Winemaker Notes
Starmont Chardonnay is crafted to enjoy with food or simply by the glass. Our aim is to retain the focus on the unique Chardonnay fruit expression from some of California’s top cool climate winegrowing regions. Aromas of Citrus notes of lemon zest with apricot stone fruit exude from the glass, the florality of white rose and slight herbal character of lemon grass all combine to create an extremely complex nose. On the palate the wine is generous with a creamy mid-palate pointing to the sur lie ageing, but the cool climate growing regions are showcased with fresh acidity that leaves a crisp, lingering finish. A beautiful and well-balanced Chardonnay.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
This wine is lively, lush, with aromas of pear, Golden Delicious apple, toasted vanilla, and notes of cinnamon on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Asian pear, baked nectarine, Pink grapefruit peel, allspice, gliding into pineapple, and mineral on the finish.
California’s most praised white wine, Chardonnay is also the state’s most planted white grape variety. Diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of wine styles.
Chardonnay planted in the cooler, coastal zones takes on bright characteristics like lemon zest, key lime, green apple and wet flint. For this style, look to the chilly Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands and Edna Valley.
The inland zones of California’s coast, such as the Russian River, Sonoma, Napa and Livermore Valleys maintain a more Goldilocks-esque climate where both styles go. Early picking retains acidity and creates a leaner style but leaving the grapes to hang creates an approachable Chardonnay, balancing richness and finesse.
Chardonnay also plays a major part in the sparkling wine production of the Anderson Valley and Carneros.