MacRostie has emerged as one of the real stars of the Sonoma Coast in the last decade, producing elegant, bright, and flavorful Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that still seems to be improving year over year. Founder Steve MacRostie deserves plenty of credit - he's always done a great job of managing his winery - but hiring winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen was certainly one of his greatest coups, because under her watch the wines have evolved into a focused, bright, complex style that only a few dozen labels (Peay and Drew come to mind) have mastered. MacRostie also switched from corks to screwcap closures some years ago, a move that has clearly added freshness and reliability to the wines.
MacRostie 2017 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($34) This translucent red has bright violet, cherry and raspberry aromas with hints of oolong tea and anise. It's silky and lithe on the palate, juicy and sprightly like a Burgundy, but where a Burgundy would have a bit more earthiness, this Pinot is all sunny cool-climate California fruit finishing with just a hint of toast and caramel. This is a hard wine to put down. You could age it for a few years, but why bother. It's ready now. (94 Points)
MacRostie 2018 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($25) In the last 6 or 7 years, this Sonoma Coast Chardonnay has emerged as a consistent personal favorite of mine, and at $25 a bottle, it's one of the best values in California Chardonnay. What's so great about this wine is how it balances a sleek, bright winemaking style with the sunny intensity of California fruit. It opens with luscious pineapple and lemon curd flavors and finishes bright and tangy with just a hint of French oak. (93 Points)
- Tim Teichgraeber
No comments:
Post a Comment