Tasting Notes
Starmont Chardonnay is crafted to enjoy with food or simply by the glass. The goal is to retain the focus on the unique Chardonnay fruit expression of Carneros—bright citrus and apple, along with modest tropical fruit notes and spice.
The 2017 is pale gold in color featuring flavors of lemon-lime and green apple, a midpalate with medium body backed by fresh acidity and subtle notes of dried sage that show on the medium length finish.
THE STARMONT STORY
From the time Starmont first appeared on a label in 1989, the name has been recognized for classically styled varietal wines that are expressive and approachable. Now 30 years later, led by Winemaker Jeff Crawford, Starmont is producing some of their best wines ever as part of the Merryvale Family of Wines.
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 Merryvale’s 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, when the Schlatter Family, owners of Merryvale Vineyards and Starmont Wines acquired two parcels of prime Carneros land located on a portion of the historic Stanly Ranch property first planted to vineyards in 1872. The family constructed a state-of-the-art “green” winery on one of the parcels which opened for production in 2006. The Starmont Wines were produced at this facility until 2019 when the winery facility was sold. The Starmont team remains focused on sustainability and making the highest quality wines. The Stanly Ranch Estate Vineyard has been Napa Green Certified since 2007 and continues to thrive under the ownership of the Schlatter Family and under the direction of Starmont Winemaker Jeff Crawford. Winemaking operations for the Starmont Wines moved back to Merryvale where they began 30 years ago.
