The 2021 MacRostie Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir received a 96-Point rating and the 2021 MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard Pinot Noir 95-Point rating in the July issue of The Tasting Panel by reviewer Michael Franz. Michael writes that the “expressive and satisfying” 2021 MacRostie Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir is “phenomenal” and “exemplary in its delicacy while still proving flavorful and indisputably delicious, thanks to the remarkable proportionality and integration of all its elements of aroma,” while describing the “lovely” 2021 MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard Pinot Noir as “silky.”

The Tasting Panel

July 2023

Michael Franz

2021 MacRostie Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir – 96 Points

“Those who dismiss California Pinot Noir for being chunky and obvious should stop harping and taste this wine. It is exemplary in its delicacy while still proving flavorful and indisputably delicious, thanks to the remarkable proportionality and integration of all its elements of aroma, flavor, and structure.  Red fruit notes of cherries and berries are pure, reserved, and almost weightless despite managing to seem expressive and satisfying—which is why the wine seems uncanny in its completeness for such a recent release.”

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2021 MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard Pinot Noir – 95 Points

“This wine shows notably more depth and structure than this producer’s phenomenal 2021 from the Soberanes Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands, and those who value Pinots that are just a bit meatier will likely prefer it.  Still, along the continuum of current California Pinots, this is still on the silky and subtle side of center, with much more expressiveness than weight. Red berry fruit is joined by a suggestion of black cherry, with lovely spice notes and a gentle tannic grip.”

Owen Bargreen recommended three MacRostie wines for OwenBargreen.com.

OwenBargreen.com
 July 2025
 Owen Bargreen

2022 MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard 828 Clone Pinot Noir Petaluma Gap – 94 Points
”A totally dazzling bottling, the 2022 MacRostie ‘Nightwing Vineyard Dijon Clone 828’ Pinot Noir comes from this higher elevation site in the Petaluma Gap. This is rich, velvety and well-structured stuff, offering loamy soil character alongside rich dark fruits, cola and shades of sassafras on the palate. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035”

2022 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – 93 Points
”The 2023 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay delivers salted peaches and diatomaceous earth on the nose alongside Japanese pear. The palate is filled with texture and underlying minerality with a gorgeous salty edge. Drink 2025-2032”

2024 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir – 92 Points
”The really good 2023 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir delivers juicy strawberry and guava fruits alongside salty soils and cranberry on the palate. Medium to full-bodied enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031”

Clive Pursehouse recommended two MacRostie Nightwing Pinot Noirs on the Decanter website.

Decanter.com

March 2025

Clive Pursehouse

2022 MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard Calera Clone Pinot Noir – 94 Points

“The vineyard sits at 1,200 ft, with this single clone bottling coming from Block 22; this Pinot Noir is big on fruit, with rays of red and blueberry fruits shooting across the aromatics profile with an edge of mint leaf. The palate sets a saline edge with tart raspberries and salted blood orange long and lean on this bright, nearly radiant Pinot Noir.”

2022 MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard Swan Clone Pinot Noir – 93 Points

“The Swan clone for this single clone bottling comes from Block 16 of the Nightwing Vineyard, at 1,200ft of elevation in Sonoma’s Petaluma Gap AVA. Red fruited intensity on the aromas as tart red berries and salty ocean air pop against a backdrop of rose petals and dried mint. The palate is saline to its core. Bright and grippy wild blue fruits are highlighted with a dusty minerality and dried herb finish.”