2018 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon

The nose offers a layered complexity of blackberries, cassis, bramble, and dark chocolate. A fresh entry on the palate is evidence of the fruit’s natural acidity, which gives way to cedar accents on the mid-palate. Present but refined tannins indicate a gentle extraction which has created balance throughout and length on the finish.

James Suckling (91/100)
Blackberry, clove, dark chocolate and dried chili on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with firm, sleek tannins and fresh acidity. Lingering wild berries and chocolate. Try from 2022.

Wilfred Wong (90/100)
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon is a spot-on, delectable wine. TASTING NOTES: This wine serves up aromas and flavors of black fruit, savory spices, and a touch of oak. Pair it with Korean BBQ ribs. (Tasted: January 11, 2021, 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.

Reaching up California‘s coastline and into its valleys north of San Francisco, the North Coast AVA includes six counties: Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake. While Napa and Sonoma enjoy most of the glory, the rest produce no shortage of quality wines in an intriguing and diverse range of styles.

Climbing up the state’s rugged coastline, the chilly Marin County, just above the City and most of Sonoma County, as well as Mendocino County on the far north end of the North Coast successfully grow cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and in some spots, Riesling. Inland Lake County, on the other hand, is considerably warmer, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc produce some impressive wines with affordable price tags.