2016 Croix Chardonnay Starling Morelli Roost
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Tasting notes
Spiced citrus, lemon, honeysuckle, and a hint of minerality all emerge from the 2016 Chardonnay Starling's Roost, which is rich, concentrated, yet also racy and lively on the palate. Sourced from the Morelli Lane and Dutton Ranch vineyard, aged in 50% new French oak, it’s a vibrant, classy, beautifully balanced Chardonnay to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years. I love what winemaker Kirk Venge does with his Napa-based estate, Venge Cellars, so I was thrilled to taste through his Croix Estate releases based out of the Russian River Valley. All three of the Chardonnays I tasted were brilliant wines. The reds were also solid, although slightly less consistent.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
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The 2016 Chardonnay Starling Morelli Roost opens with yeasty/toasty/savory notes over a core of pink grapefruit, guava, ginger and lemon meringue with touches of acacia honey and brioche. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a delicately silky texture and just enough freshness to lift the tightly wound savory and exotic fruit layers, finishing long and spicy. 150 cases produced.