Kirk Venge would establish his footprint in Sonoma County by founding Croix Estate within the Russian River Valley in 2009. He would establish his reputation crafting small lots of single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay along with Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc. His inaugural vintage would be released in 2012 with fruit sourced from premium vineyards throughout Sonoma County. In addition to being owner and winemaker of Croix Estate and Venge Vineyards, Kirk is a consulting winemaker for several prominent, micro-producers in Napa Valley. Kirk Venge appears to have inherited his father’s work ethic and easy going demeanor while being destined to achieve fame in his own right.

This fruit is sourced from the Morelli Lane Vineyard within Green Valley in Russian River Valley. It undergoes native yeast fermentation and is aged for 15 months in 50% New French Oak barrels. The 2022 Croix Estate Starlings Roost Chardonnay represents a sophisticated embodiment of Russian River Valley’s cool-climate terroir. This wine reveals a golden straw hue with inviting aromas of acacia flowers and hazelnuts. Beneath the lush fruit of Meyer lemon, nectarine, tangerine peel is a coating of caramelized brown sugar. The creamy texture melds together beautifully with the wealth of fruit and is nicely supported with juicy acidity. The precise finish is very long and memorable.

By W Peter Hoyne