92 Points, Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide
“The producer’s original source of Chardonnay, Sangiacomo grapes have figured into this wine since 1987, this vintage of which is astounding in tropical, fleshy layers of elegance, flecks of freshly cut pear providing further succulence. Richly textured, it’s balanced while robust.” —Virginie Boone, October 2016
95 Points, Wine Review Online
“The Sangiacomo chardonnay has long been one of MacRostie’s most powerful statement wines, so the stunning 2014 is hardly a surprise. This beauty exhibits inviting notes of lemon oil and baking spice, with fresh acidity that lifts the fruit and cleanses the palate. Among the finest California chardonnays I have sampled this year.” —Robert Whitley, August 2, 2016
93 Points, Wine Review Online
“A Chardonnay for lovers of all things lemon. It’s all here–Meyer and Sorrento lemon, lemon crème, lemon zest, lemongrass and lemon blossom with a touch of oak and stone minerality, with a long integrated finish that is a MacRostie trademark. It’s no lemon!” –Rich Cook, July 12, 2016
92 Points, PinotFile
“28th vintage making wine from Sangiacomo. This wine is meant to be special, representing only 4% of the fruit that MacRostie gets from Sangiacomo Vineyard. Grapes came from four blocks of Sangiacomo Vineyard: Rich Kiser, Kiser A, Kiser B and a Petaluma Gap site called Roberts Road. Gently whole cluster pressed, racked to French oak barrels for fermentation where primary and malolactic fermentations were completed. The wine was aged on the lees with occasional stirring for 10 months. 12 barrels were chosen, 2 of which were new and the rest used for previous vintages. Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. A ripe fruited wine of great appeal with aromas of fresh citrus, honeysuckle, barrel and buttered popcorn. Defined by lively acidity and lemon-driven flavor, with a slightly creamy texture, a hint of nutty oak, and some finishing length.” —Rusty Gaffney MD, June 18, 2016