Winemaker Notes
Ours is a regional expression of Carneros Pinot Noir sourced from select vineyards on the Napa side of this AVA. This is a seleccion masal Pinot Noir, not meant to express a single clone or vineyard. The goal of this wine is to retain a varietal correctness with a sense of place. We really enjoy Carneros Pinot Noir, because although the fruit presents itself readily, there is an undercurrent of ‘Pinot funk’, and earthy element that adds complexity both on the nose and the palate. A slightly higher percentage of new oak was used (33%) to stand up to the richness and weight of the concentrated 2015 vintage. The oak adds both to the nose and the texture of the wine, but still allows the fruit to be front and center. Dark garnet in color, the 2015 offers layered notes of plum, dark cherry and cola spice. With moderate acidity, weight and density, this wine has outstanding depth and length.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Fresh red berries here with orange rind and citrus peel. Medium to full body, pretty acidity and a medium finish. Drink now. Screw cap.
-
Wine Enthusiast
This wine offers a balanced celebration of plum, dark cherry and cola spice that’s velvety and textured. With moderate acidity keeping it fresh in the glass, it offers depth and length, as well as a slight tease of orange peel. Editors’ Choice.
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2015 Starmont Winery and Vineyards Pinot Noir offers excellent richness and texture on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine features bright red cherries, earth, and spice in its aromas and flavors. Pair it with grilled salmon accented with a crushed berry sauce. (Tasted: July 28, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
Sitting at the crossroads of Carneros and Napa Valley, Starmont occupies a portion of the historic Stanly Ranch. Established as a wine growing region over 150 years ago, Carneros is world renowned for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With foggy mornings and cool afternoon bay breezes creating the perfect conditions for these varietals, Starmont wines are expressive, food-friendly and distinctly Carneros.
The Starmont story began over 25 years ago, starting as an integral part of the Merryvale brand. Led by the Starmont Chardonnay and delivering high quality Carneros and Napa Valley wines at approachable prices, Starmont complemented the more mature Merryvale portfolio. For a decade and a half, these two brands shared space at our venerable St. Helena facility. It was a perfect partnership, but as Starmont grew from a single wine into a full-fledged brand, it became time to move out.
Opportunity to find a new home was realized in 2005. Starmont acquired 50 acres of prime Carneros vineyard, a portion of the Stanly Ranch Estate first planted in 1872, and broke ground on the new winery the same year. Honoring the heritage of the vineyard, Starmont has constructed a state-of-the-art “green” winery. Among other steps taken towards sustainability, the Starmont Winery recycles 100% of winery process water, diverts over 98% of waste away from ending up in a landfill and generates enough electricity each day to power over 250 homes. In creating a certified Napa Green Winery, Starmont ensures that the surrounding area will remain pristine for future generations to enjoy.
As early as the 1970s Carneros became known as a source of terrific Pinot Noir, and was one of the first California regions to gain such a reputation. The combination of sunny days, cooling fog and thin clay soils are tailor-made for the variety. Another factor in Pinot Noir’s prominent place here is vintners’ willingness to experiment widely. The history of the grape in Carneros is marked by continuous research into clonal variations, viticultural techniques and site selection. Careful evaluation over time has revealed a signature flavor profile as well. Complex aromas and flavors of cherry, red berry, spice, earth and cola appear time and again in Carneros Pinot Noir. To this day the appellation remains one of California’s standard bearers for the variety.