All great wines do not need to be priced high. One of the consistently good and well-priced houses in Sonoma, MacRostie Vineyards was founded by fellow Whitman alum Steve MacRostie. For many years I have loved these wines, particularly the value that their entry level wines bring. Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen has a great history in the wine industry. After attaining her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder she worked in the laboratory of Jackson Family Wines before working at Clos du Bois, Oyster Bay as well as Sonoma-Cutrer. The new wines are all outstanding coming from the 2020 and 2019 vintages.
MacRostie sources from some great vineyards including Dutton Ranch, Sangiacomo, Martinelli and Bacigalupi, and from MacRostie’s Estate Wildcat Mountain Vineyard which was purchased decades back. They have crafted another stunning value, their 2022 Macrostie ‘Nightwing Vineyard Swan Clone’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is a dense treat to enjoy now. Learn more about this great Sonoma winery at https://macrostiewinery.com/ Here are the outstanding wines by MacRostie.
2022 MacRostie ‘Nightwing Vineyard Swan Clone’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 MacRostie ‘Nightwing Vineyard Swan Clone’ Pinot Noir comes from this site in the eastern hills of the Petaluma Gap. It is a burly edition of wine from this site that speaks to the heat of the vintage. Cola and ripe cranberry tones combine with salty minerals and a smooth texture on the palate. Big, burly and rich, with good underlying acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 95
2022 MacRostie ‘Nightwing Vineyard Calera Clone’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 MacRostie ‘Nightwing Vineyard Calera Clone’ Pinot Noir comes from Block 22 in the vineyard. A dusting of white pepper combines with tart red fruits and Mandarin orange zest on the nose. The palate is fresh and fleshy with good underlying verve considering the heat of the vintage. Delicious now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 94