Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen (credit: drwinkler)
Sacramento native Steve MacRostie founded his eponymous winery in 1987. He caught the wine bug while traveling in Italy and subsequently enrolled at UC Davis along with David Ramey, Merry Edwards, and other members of the first generation of skilled Russian River Valley winemakers. He built the brand with wholesale distribution, but today 70 percent of sales are direct to consumer. MacRostie sold the winery to an Australian firm in 2011, staying on as consulting winemaker. After stints at Kendall-Jackson and Sonoma-Cutrer, Wisconsin native Heidi Bridenhagen joined MacRostie as winemaker at the same time (2011). Today, MacRostie is owned by Distinguished Vineyards & Wine Partners, a subsidiary of the Japanese beverage conglomerate Kirin.
MacRostie Winery and Vineyards sources fruit from more than 30 Chardonnay and 15 Pinot Noir Vineyards in addition to its estate vineyards. While most of its grapes are sourced from the Russian River Valley, MacRostie also owns the Nightwing Vineyard and Wildcat Mountain Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap AVA. MacRostie is owned by Distinguished Vineyards & Wine Partners, a subsidiary of the Japanese beverage conglomerate Kirin.
The Wines
MacRostie 2023 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($40) 92 MacRostie’s Russian River Chardonnay blend sourced from several vineyards, mostly in Green Valley, is superb for the price. It’s clean and precise with aromas and flavors of citrus and stone fruit with hints of toasty, vanilla oak. You’re likely to find this served by the glass at restaurants; if so, have a glass! Matured in 18% new French oak. 13.7% alc.
MacRostie 2022 Chardonnay Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley (Middle Reach) ($54) 94 Sourced from one of California’s most famous, historic vineyards (its grapes were in the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the famous 1976 Paris tasting). Opens with a perfumed, white flowers and tropical fruit nose. Excellent, fresh acidity and rich, toasty, ripe fruited flavors on a full, balanced palate and very long finish. Outstanding! Aged 18 months in neutral oak. 14.9% alc.
MacRostie 2023 Chardonnay Olivet Lane Russian River Valley (Santa Rosa Plain) ($58) 94 Light yellow gold in color, this is an old vines Chardonnay from a vineyard planted to the Old Wente clone by the Pellegrini family in 1975. Opens with a mineral like nose revealing yellow fruit. Firmly structured with stone fruit, jasmine, and hints of green tropical fruit. Aged 10 months in used oak. 13.8% alc.
MacRostie 2024 Pinot Noir Rosé Russian River Valley ($30) 92 A bright and effusive rosé that begins with a fresh red berry nose and proceeds to a perfumed and balanced palate of strawberry, raspberry and a hint of wild cherry. Finishes on the crisp side. 52% direct press and 48% saignée, fermented and aged in stainless steel. 13.9% alc.
MacRostie 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($50) 92 As with the Chardonnay, this Russian River Valley blend is mainly distributed to restaurants for their wine by the glass programs. Effusive nose of dark cherry and toasted spice. Broad on the palate with concentrated, sweet dark red cherry and berry flavors and savory notes. Made in small fermenters with fruit from all the neighborhoods of Russian River Valley after 14 days on the skin. Aged about 10 months in 31% new French oak. 13.6% alc.
MacRostie Pinot Noir Thales Vineyard Russian River Valley (Middle Reach) ($68) 94 Spicy, herbal, dark red fruited nose. Broad and full flavored on the palate with a light, delicate character. An earthy notes shows on the finish. Made with some whole cluster from a 14 acre property purchased in 2013. Matured 10 months in 32% new French oak; 13.6% alc.