Just In: 95+ Point Ratings from The Tasting Panel intro image
Just In: 95+ Point Ratings from The Tasting Panel
July 2023

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.”

MacRostie in The Tasting Panel Magazine intro image
MacRostie in The Tasting Panel Magazine
November 2025

The 2023 vintage of MacRostie Chardonnay is already making waves. In the November 2025 issue of The Tasting Panel, critic Michael Franz recommended four standout bottlings, each earning high scores and thoughtful praise. From the vibrant Stubbs Vineyard to the richly styled Mirabelle, these wines shine a spotlight on the depth and versatility of MacRostie’s Chardonnay craft.

 

The Tasting Panel Magazine
November 2025
Michael Franz

2023 MacRostie Stubbs Vineyard Chardonnay Petaluma Gap – 97 Points
“The cool, extended 2023 growing season was very effectively utilized in the growing and vinifying of this wine, which offers expressive and fully satisfying aromas and flavors but is most remarkable for its bright clarity and linear energy. In its way, it brings Puligny-Montrachet to mind and is terrific now but destined for a decade of positive development.”

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2023 MacRostie Mirabelle Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley – 95 Points
“This producer’s mastery with Chardonnay is proved by the roaring success of this wine, which is utterly different from the Stubbs Vineyard 2023. Entirely seductive with its tropical fruit and mandarin orange aromas and flavors braced by more assertive, spicy and toasty oak than in the Stubbs, both have remarkably long, pure, symmetrical finishes.”

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2023 MacRostie Russian River Valley Chardonnay – 93 Points
“By comparison to this producer’s excellent Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, this shows a bit more weight and a bit more wood influence to match. Light floral aromas lead to a medium-bodied profile with classic orchard fruit notes at its core, edged with citrus-like acidity.”

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2023 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – 92 Points
“A Chardonnay that stand out on ground of impeccably pure fruit, this shows just enough spice and a faint hint of barrel toast to keep it on the right side of the line separating ‘pure’ from ‘simple’. With fruit notes recalling ripe peaches with a touch of tropical fruit akin to pineapple, this is delicious in a straightforward style.”

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MacRostie in The Tasting Panel Magazine
July/August 2025

Meridith May recommended three MacRostie wines for The Tasting Panel.

The Tasting Panel Magazine
 July/August 2025
 Meridith May

2022 MacRostie Olivet Lane Pinot Noir Russian River Valley – 95 Points
“Sweet tobacco and soil meld with a perfume of dried roses and basil. The palate is opulent – with a dash of salinity marking pomegranate and candied applies – and the mouthfeel is sleek, revealing a dollop of raspberry jelly on the finish.”

 

2022 MacRostie Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir Petaluma Gap – 94 Points
“Spiced mulberry goes juicy on entry with dried rose petals and red tea leaves. Black raspberry is accompanied by dusky notes of bramble and sweet earth.”

 

2024 MacRostie Rosé of Pinot Noir – 92 Points
“Delicate, bracing notes of Rainer cherry, watermelon, and lanolin add texture to slate and dried rose petal. A juicy wake-up call at mid-point reflects tension and verve.”