Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen and eight MacRostie Chardonnays are featured in the July issue of Wine Spectator in the Chardonnay report titled “The Next Generation of Chardonnay Stars Make Their Mark,” by reviewer MaryAnn Worobiec.

“The Next Generation of Chardonnay Stars Make Their Mark”

“Chardonnay is the ultimate winemaker’s wine. The grapes present a blank canvas on which vintners can apply different techniques and explore varying styles, while also expressing their terroir.

MacRostie winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen also excelled this past year, making eight outstanding wines from 2019 and 2020. She says that for MacRostie, opening a tasting room in Healdsburg in 2015 ‘and communicating directly with the winery’s customers’ helped to guide its Chardonnay program to focus on more vineyard partnerships.

Before MacRostie, Bridenhagen worked with Jackson Family Wines, Clos du Bois and Sonoma-Cutrer. She is struck by how flexible Chardonnay can be. Whether it starts with your intentions in the vineyard or the juice coming into the door of the cellar,  she says the work of the winemaker comes through. Her winemaking strategy includes a vigorous tasting schedule and keeping the lots separate. I want to know they are not just amazing, but are they different?”

July 2022
MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator

For the full report click here.

Recommended California Chardonnays

2020 MacRostie Russian River Valley Chardonnay – 93 Points: Outstanding; a wine of superior character and style

“Distinctive and aromatic, with jasmine, orange blossom and fresh lime zest flavors that are fragrant and precise, plus terrific intensity and juiciness on a sleek, mouthwatering frame. Features succulent notes of lemon curd and peach at the core. Drink now through 2032.”

Smart Buy

2020 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – 92 Points: Outstanding; a wine of superior character and style

“Peach, apricot and mango notes are pure, intense and extremely juicy on a fleshy, succulent frame, with hints of spice, orange blossom and dried ginger.”

2020 MacRostie Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay – 92 Points: Outstanding; a wine of superior character and style

“Succulent, plump and generous, with papaya, peach and citrus flavors that are accented with hints of marmalade, spice, dried citrus zest, honeycomb and orange blossom. Drink now. 184 cases made.”

2020 MacRostie Kent Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay – 92 Points: Outstanding; a wine of superior character and style

“Complex and dense, showing tahini, lemon sherbet, tangerine and mango notes on a rich frame, with details of spice, mineral and pickled ginger on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2028.”

2020 MacRostie Wildcat Mountain Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – 92 Points: Outstanding; a wine of superior character and style

“Intense and distinctive, with hints of tarragon and lemon verbena adding appealing aromatic details to the core of fresh Fuji apple, melon and dried pineapple. A note of white pepper minerality lingers on the finish. Drink now through 2032.”

2019 MacRostie Charles Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay – 91 Points: Outstanding; a wine of superior character and style

“Crisp and lip-smacking on a sleek frame, with rich and succulent flavors, including salted butterscotch, Fuji apple, pineapple thyme and nectarine. Drink now.”

2019 MacRostie The Key Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – 90 Points: Outstanding; a wine of superior character and style

“This has juicy citrus flavors at the core, with details of nutmeg, honeycomb and a firm streak of minerality and acidity. Shows plenty of harmony on the finish. Drink now. 281 cases made.”