The first Starmont expression was produced over 35 years ago with a single varietal. The label, which is part of the Merryvale family of wines, now produces four varietals under winemaker Jeff Crawford. Crawford has been "all things Starmont" for ten years now and has been in the world of wine for twenty year. 2021 was an overall wonderful year for Cabernet due to the intense flavor of the berries despite generally smaller yields. We have been tasting some really lovely Cabs from this year and this one is no exception.
The 2021 Starmont Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Teroldego (7%) and Cinsault (6%). The fact that Crawford chose the latter two grape varietals for this blend is nothing short of impressive. No doubt the Italian Teroldego grape added exquisite colors to this bottle and helped promote those fruit forward notes upon entry. The Cinsault helps add a tick of extra ripe berry aromas and textured tannins. For the United States, Cinsault is planted mostly in the North Coast AVA but can also be found in Yakima Valley AVA in Washington and the Texas High Plains AVA. Crawford really went outside of the box here and it shows in the presentation of the package.
Deep red to maroon in the glass, this Cabernet opens with strawberry rhubarb pie, very ripe raspberries, Mediterranean spices, damp soil and tar. It is immediately inviting and swirling allows those aromas to literally leap from the glass. Raspberry, plum and pomegranate are introduced to the palate first, followed by floral pedals, tea leaf and a hint of minerality. This has a very satisfying and tender finish. We are really impressed by this bottle and it proves once again that you don't have to pay a ton of money to find a wine that is delicious and one that could be cellared for a number of years. We think with a few years in the bottle, it may even be more remarkable. Bravo!
ABV: 13.9%
North Coast AVA
Winery: Starmont Vineyards
Suggested retail price: $25.00
Drink The Bottles score: 91+/100
