Founded in 1987 by respected winemaker Steve MacRostie, he was one of the pioneers to embrace Pinot Noir in Sonoma County long before it was “cool”. The MacRostie style favors crispness, complexity and vineyard character as opposed to overt opulence. With unique estates Wildcat Mountain in the south end of Sonoma Coast and Thale’s Vineyard (named for his wife) in northwest Russian River, he grows a diversity of Pinot fruit. His relationships also enable him to work with other legendary winegrowing families including the Duttons, Sangiacomos, Martinellis and Bacigalupis. In 2017, San Francisco Magazine’s “Best of Wine Country” issue honored MacRostie as “Best Overall Winery” and “Best Tasting Room”.

The 2019 MacRostie Thale’s Vineyard Russian River Pinot Noir is incredibly pretty with bright persistent aromas of Bing cherries, blueberries, and flowers. Light garnet in color, its light to mid-weight palate dances across the mouth in a beautiful feminine style. Delicate, but substantial, it’s a welcome style that’s all too rare in a world where bigger is often judged better. Delightful by itself or pair its fruit and freshness with the richness of crispy skin salmon or duck breast.

By Michael Yang