STARMONT 09 CS
Merryvale Vineyards, established in 1983, is one of Napa Valley’s shining stars. And at 80,000 plus cases a year, it demands a strict eye on quality to keep that moniker. While Merryvale’s prestige cuvees (Profile Meritage and Silhouette Chardonnay) garner much well-deserved attention, the Starmont Series has been offering serious value and quality since 1985. While competitors in the “fighting varietal” categories have come and gone, the Starmont wines remain a strong go-to presence. Why? Because they taste really good, and it’s difficult to find this kind of Napa Valley class for under-$20. The wine is complex, it’s supple, it offers a wonderful bouquet of concentrated blackberry and cassis which echo on the palate, there’s a hint of sweet oak, and it finishes long and smooth.
