The 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir has been recommended by Aaron Romano and James Molesworth in Romano’s article, “8 Outstanding 2021 California Pinot Noirs,” on the Wine Spectator website.

“8 Outstanding 2021 California Pinot Noirs”

Wine Spectator

May 22, 2023

Aaron Romano and James Molesworth

“For many in California, the 2020 harvest will be known as a lost vintage. Wildfires marred the season, rendering numerous vineyards unsuitable for making wine. Now, the 2021 wines are being fast-tracked onto the market, and for good reason; 2021 has all the makings of a banner year, especially for Pinot Noir. The year was even, with no extreme heatwaves, and yields were slightly lower than average, which has translated into Pinot Noirs with expressive fruit character and natural vibrancy. Here, we’ve compiled recently tasted versions that offer an impressive taste of the vintage. For more on California’s 2021 Pinot Noirs, keep an eye out for senior editor James Molesworth’s report in the Sept. 30, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator.”

2021 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir – 90 Points

“Fresh and crunchy in feel, with vibrant pomegranate and damson plum notes laced with rose petal and savory accents, all allied to a light, wiry frame. Should sleek out a bit with age, while staying on the light-bodied edge of the spectrum. Drink now through 2027.” -James Molesworth

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.”