2022 StarWine Cellars “Curious” Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap
Delicate yet layered, the 2022 vintage opens with dried red fruits, toasted spice, and a subtle nutty undertone. The palate is light and supple, with fine pleasing tannins and a grip on the back end that draws out flavors of cranberry, clove, and cherry skin. A restrained structure and gentle finish reflect the elegance of a cool growing season.
Specs
Vintage: 2022
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County
Alcohol: 14.1%
pH: 3.61
Titratable Acidity: 6.5 g/L
What’s Included
4-bottles:
4x - 2022 StarWine Cellars “Curious” Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap
Case:
12x - 2022 StarWine Cellars “Curious” Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap
StarWine was started by a family with a dream of growing high quality grapes in Sonoma County and the passion and experience to make it happen. Located in the agriculturally rich Petaluma Gap, StarWine Cellars operates over 30 acres of vineyards poised to grow the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Sonoma.
Our decision to plant our vineyard in the Petaluma Gap has played an important role in the success of our artisan wine. Located 250 feet above sea level, with a strong afternoon wind off the Petaluma River, this area yields fruit that is small in size but concentrated in flavor. The result is a well-balanced wine that is both elegant and distinct of the Gap.
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
It seems a little odd to me that there are multiple reviews for the 2021 and there is even aTasting Panel review of the 2023, but there is not a single review of the 2022. Maybe we will get a Rat on here, if not it seems almost as if this was a completely passed over vintage. Though, it seems more likely reviewers didn’t care for it so no one published a review of it.
By John Gilman
May/Jun 2026, Issue #123, Recently-Tasted American Wines Spring 2026
90 points
(Pinot Noir “Petaluma Gap” Curious- Star Wine Cellars (Sonoma County)) Subscribe to see review text. (Drink between 2032 - 2060)
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations)
2022 StarWine Pinot Noir - $50 = 20.83%
It’s me, it’s me, I’m the rat! I’m a big fan of Pinot Noir, so I was excited to try this one. Dinner was chicken cacciatore with brussels sprouts in a balsamic glaze. I popped the cork on the bottle and poured a glass as I waited for dinner to finish coming together. The first sniff was mineral to me, with the faintest hint of blackberry. I took my first sip, it was a smooth start, a taste of berries (don’t think it’s sweet, it’s not), a bit thin, and then some tannins hit as I swallowed.
I started to eat dinner, and the aroma of the wine didn’t change, even with a hearty meal, I still got mineral, nor did the taste change much, the berry was muted a tad with the spice of the meal, but it was still present, and the tannins still hit, along with maybe a bit of heat from pepper. The taste stayed consistent from start to finish.
As I was eating, I grabbed the bottle and read the label. I think this was the first time in my life I read a bottle and actually tasted what they described on the label (“Dried red fruits…”)! I thought it had a bit more berry than a typical Pinot Noir (like a Shiraz met a Zinfandel), but it’s hard to pin down. If I went somewhere and asked for a house red, this would fit the bill (I would be hard pressed to exactly identify it).
It’s great on its own, it’s great with food! The next day it was just a good as the first.
️
StarWine Pinot Noir
2022 StarWine Cellars “Curious” Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$912/Case at Starwine Cellars for 12x 2022 StarWine Cellars “Curious” Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap
About The Winery
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Oct 26 - Tuesday, Oct 27
2022 StarWine Pinot Noir
4 bottles for $79.99 $20/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $189.99 $15.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
CT winery info:
Bottles in cellars: 0
Bottles pending delivery: 1
Looks like we may be getting the first crack at these wines.
Man, may go in based on the label alone!
Work a list price of over $70 this is a crazy discount from SRP. Although I wonder how many bottles have sold at that price…
@klezman I was thinking the same! Also the CellarTracker drinking window is 2032-2060…seems a bit far out.
@klezman @TimW
/giphy Far out, man meme
@klezman
But for a premium Oregon PN that would be normal… and the “special” ones are usually reserved for club members or VIP access.
I have been happy with the earlier Petaluma Gap wines but yes this is a new price point it seems.
It seems a little odd to me that there are multiple reviews for the 2021 and there is even aTasting Panel review of the 2023, but there is not a single review of the 2022. Maybe we will get a Rat on here, if not it seems almost as if this was a completely passed over vintage. Though, it seems more likely reviewers didn’t care for it so no one published a review of it.
@Eron CellarTracker has no user reviews for any vintages.
This is copy paste from CT:
By John Gilman
May/Jun 2026, Issue #123, Recently-Tasted American Wines Spring 2026
90 points
(Pinot Noir “Petaluma Gap” Curious- Star Wine Cellars (Sonoma County)) Subscribe to see review text. (Drink between 2032 - 2060)
fwiw
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations)
2022 StarWine Pinot Noir - $50 = 20.83%
Well, it sounds like something I’d like, and it has a pretty label – perhaps a lab rat is lurking out there?
It’s me, it’s me, I’m the rat! I’m a big fan of Pinot Noir, so I was excited to try this one. Dinner was chicken cacciatore with brussels sprouts in a balsamic glaze. I popped the cork on the bottle and poured a glass as I waited for dinner to finish coming together. The first sniff was mineral to me, with the faintest hint of blackberry. I took my first sip, it was a smooth start, a taste of berries (don’t think it’s sweet, it’s not), a bit thin, and then some tannins hit as I swallowed.
I started to eat dinner, and the aroma of the wine didn’t change, even with a hearty meal, I still got mineral, nor did the taste change much, the berry was muted a tad with the spice of the meal, but it was still present, and the tannins still hit, along with maybe a bit of heat from pepper. The taste stayed consistent from start to finish.
As I was eating, I grabbed the bottle and read the label. I think this was the first time in my life I read a bottle and actually tasted what they described on the label (“Dried red fruits…”)! I thought it had a bit more berry than a typical Pinot Noir (like a Shiraz met a Zinfandel), but it’s hard to pin down. If I went somewhere and asked for a house red, this would fit the bill (I would be hard pressed to exactly identify it).
It’s great on its own, it’s great with food! The next day it was just a good as the first.