Six MacRostie wines and the 2020 Clockwise Red Wine have been recommended by Rich Cook on Wine Review Online.

Wine Review Online

June 2023

Rich Cook

2019 MacRostie Sparkling Brut Rosé – 95 Points

“A very different Brut Rosé — it’s quite apple driven, and shows deep brioche aromatics thanks to thirty months en tirage. Tasting blindfolded, most experts would be hard pressed to call it as a domestic, much less pink, glass of bubbly at first taste. That said, those same tasters would agree that they’ve got a seriously conceived sparkler in their hands. With a little time in the glass, more layers come forward, including a bit of strawberry. Unusual, but isn’t unusual and delightful what we’re all searching for?”

SOLD OUT

2021 MacRostie Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir – 94 Points

“It might not be a stretch to surmise that the relatively new Petaluma Gap AVA became one largely due to the fruit that has come from the Gap’s Crown Vineyard.  It does particularly well in the hands of MacRostie winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen in the 2021 vintage, with this combination of deep cherry and raspberry fruit, dry earth minerality and fall spice, balanced with ‘house style’ acidity and finishing long and toasty.  Beautiful!”

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2021 MacRostie Nightwing Vineyard Pinot Noir – 93 Points

“This wine shows the full throttle side of this winery’s Pinot Noir portfolio.  It’s made in a big style that serves the ripe fruit well, playing deep black cherry fruit off layers of fall spice.  It is fleshy, but maintains the signature long finish that marks the whole line.  A light touch with the new oak (30%) was the perfect choice.”

2021 MacRostie Durell Vineyard Chardonnay – 93 Points

“When my initial notes on a flight of wines contain words on a particular bottle like ‘rather oak dominant, reduced, needs some time to show itself, but should’ I often let the wine sit (half empty or so) for a day and check it again.  This exercise can confirm the ‘but should’ part of the equation, as it did with this gorgeous, full-tilt Chardonnay.  The overnight airing showed a rich wine that tips its cap to Burgundian style while maintaining California character.  Age a good while sealed or several hours open for full enjoyment.”   

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2021 MacRostie Wildcat Mountain Pinot Noir – 92 Points

“I always like this bottling for its dusty dry earth minerality that deepens the cherry and rhubarb fruit profile.  Those aromas carry through on the palate, with the dusty character in front.  Moderate grip and zippy acidity give a big finish push.  Age this up to five years or decant long if enjoying in the near term.”

2021 MacRostie Russian River Valley Chardonnay – 92 Points

“Minimal oak influence does a great service to this Chardonnay, allowing the acidity and fruit character to shine and get just a little boost and contrast from the wood.  Apple and lemon crème flavors are crisp, bright, and long, accented by soft spice and toast notes.  It’s a winner with wide application and crowd pleasing appeal.” 

SOLD OUT

2020 Clockwise Red Wine – 92 Points

“This label is coming into its own, and it’s a fine vintage from which to do so considering the scarcity of Napa Vally red wines from 2020 due to fires.  No fire issues here — just pure Clone 43 Cabernet goodness on the bright side of the varietal spectrum.  It is made in a nice tight style, with bright red fruit and dried herbs dancing together nicely.  I would age this a good while in the cellar and wait for the elegance to emerge.”