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 of Carneros—bright citrus and apple, along with subtle tropical fruit notes and spice. The 2016 is pale gold in color with a soft entry that leads to a mid-palate with medium body and acidity. Flavors of tropical fruits and apple, along with citrus, fresh mineral and subtle oak notes lead to a refreshing, medium length finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine starts off with a salty, stony flavor of oyster shell and rock. Integrated and firmly textured on the palate, it has strong Gravenstein apple and pear flavors that are seasoned nicely by hints of nutmeg and lemongrass.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.