James Suckling recommended eight MacRostie wines in his weekly tasting report on JamesSuckling.com.

JamesSuckling.com

October 24, 2024

James Suckling

“Weekly Tasting Report”

“The harvest season in California brought not just a new vintage, but a bountiful and diverse harvest of great new releases from Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Seventeen of the 170 Golden State wines this week scored 95 and above: magnificent Napa cabernet sauvignons, soulful Sonoma pinot noirs and excellent examples of chardonnay, too.”

2022 MacRostie Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir Petaluma Gap – 93 Points: Outstanding

“An elegant, well-polished wine that’s balanced, mouthwatering and complete. Moderate tannins and vibrant acidity are knitted through red cherries, deep black cherries and a hint of sour cherries. Subtle notes of black tea, redwood bark and bay leaves add enticing complexity. Drink now or hold.”

2022 MacRostie The Key Chardonnay Sonoma Coast – 93 Points: Outstanding

“So luscious and creamy that it’s almost a dessert wine. This is deep, layered and indulgent. Baked apples, poached pears, vanilla bean, marzipan, nutmeg and of course butter make a delicious blend, backed by a subtle but balancing lemony tang that kicks in at the end. Drink now or hold. Screw cap.”

2022 MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard Chardonnay Petaluma Gap – 92 Points: Outstanding

“So delicious, with melting ripe pear and apple flavors and an almost sweet touch of vanilla bean on a full body. Just a hint of apple-skin acidity helps keep it fresh and alive through a lingering finish. Drink now. Screw cap.”

2022 MacRostie Wildcat Mountain Chardonnay Sonoma Coast – 92 Points: Outstanding

“Full in flavor but also nicely structured in acidity, this wine has an appetizing snap in the texture as well as vibrant, concentrated fruit notes. Grapefruit, nutmeg and toast aromas lead to layered Bosc pears and green apples along with herbal accents. Full-bodied. Drink now or hold. Screw cap.”

2022 MacRostie Wildcat Mountain Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – 91 Points: Outstanding

“It’s a nervy, red-fruited, tangy wine with mouthwatering acidity and vivid herbal accents. Distinctive pine, rosemary and sage aromas lead to red cherry, cranberry and black tea flavors. A light to medium body. Drink now or hold.”

2023 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – 90 Points: Outstanding

“Plenty of ripe, succulent fruit on a full body and a smooth, rounded texture. Applesauce, pineapple, brown butter and vanilla bean flavors give ample richness. Drink now. Screw cap.”

2023 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir – 90 Points: Outstanding

“A layer of aromatic oak spices covers good, ripe red and black fruit in this smooth and full-bodied wine. Toasted oak, wood char and clove notes tend to dominate the dark plum and black cherry fruit flavors. Drink now.”