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

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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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.”