Merryvale Starmont Chardonnay (75cl, 13.5%)

Merryvale Starmont Chardonnay is a 100% Chardonnay from the Carneros appellation of Napa Valley, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Its split fermentation — 55% barrel fermented and 45% in stainless steel — is paired with partial malolactic fermentation and ten months sur lies ageing in 75% French oak barrels. Around 40% of the blend comes from Stanly Ranch, with the rest from vineyards across Carneros. Merryvale Vineyards, owned by the Schlatter family, produces the Starmont label with a focus on Carneros fruit. The nose opens with ripe Asian pear and green apple, then butterscotch, nutmeg and fresh minerality, with lemon zest and pineapple as it opens. The palate is soft and medium-bodied, with apple tart, Bartlett pear, citrus, subtle oak toast and white pepper. The finish is clean and medium, with dried sage, lemon-lime and gentle spice.