The 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay has been recommended by MaryAnn Worobiec in her article, “10 Stunning Sonoma Chardonnays at 90+ Points,” on the Wine Spectator website.

10 Stunning Sonoma Chardonnays at 90+ Points

Wine Spectator

April 3, 2023

MaryAnn Worobiec

“New reviews of California whites that show the intersection of quality and value among celebrated Chardonnay terroirs, with several values priced less than $35”

“This week’s selection focuses on Chardonnays from Sonoma. The grape and region are a solid match, particularly in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, where cooling breezes and fogs can help preserve fresh acidity while sunny days give grapes ripe fruit flavors. This group of outstanding-rated wines also highlights how California Chardonnays are trending toward fresh and vibrant styles today. Chardonnay lovers can still find hints of butter or candied notes akin to Chardonnays from the 1990s and early 2000s, but now on a mouthwatering frame. Balance and restraint are what to expect here.

Now in the hands of winemaker Jason Jardine, Hanzell has an impressive history in California and was a leader in Chardonnay’s development there. Grapes for its Sebella bottling are mostly from younger Chardonnay vines on the Hanzell estate, fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral French oak barrels to preserve delicate aromas and fresh Bartlett pear, lime, and pomelo flavors.

On the other end of the modern style spectrum, winemaker Linda Trotta of Reata (Spanish for “lariat” or “lasso”) coaxes some richness in her broad and rich Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, using barrel fermentation and lees stirring. But again, bright acidity comes in on the finish to keep the flavors focused.

Keep an eye on wines from The Calling, a brand created by Emmy-winning sports commentator Jim Nantz and Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits CEO Peter Deutsch. The two men met by chance and bonded over a love of wine and a desire to honor their fathers. The Calling’s winemaker, James MacPhail, has a knack for working with acclaimed Sonoma vineyard sites—in this case, the famed Dutton Ranch—and letting their strengths shine through. The Calling’s 2020 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay is distinctive with honey, candied ginger, and cardamon spice notes, and a core of citrus. Fifth-generation Dutton-Goldfield owner Steve Dutton and winemaker Dan Goldfield also offer a Dutton Ranch bottling below. Highlighting the vines of an important Sonoma winegrowing family, this white strikes a lovely balance of floral, citrus, and orchard fruit notes.”

2021 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – 92 Points: Outstanding; a wine of superior character and style

“Intensely juicy, with wonderful purity to the pear, pineapple, and tangerine flavors, notes of lemon blossoms, and dashes of honey and spices. Shows mouthwatering acidity on the long, expressive finish, where a touch of minerality lingers. Drink now.” -MaryAnn Worobiec

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.”

Currently available exclusively for members. Join now →

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.”

Currently available exclusively for members. Join now →

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.”

Currently available exclusively for members. Join now →

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.”

Shop Now →

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.”