MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Very pale straw in color, with bright, creamy, lemon custard aromas, and a bit of floral vanilla to boot. In the mouth it is rich and round, with tropical pineapple and hints of key lime pie. Like said pie, the finish is both crisp and creamy.

Winemaking Notes

All grapes went direct to press as whole clusters in order to maximize quality, and were gently pressed. After settling, most of the juice was racked into French and Hungarian oak barrels for fermentation, 20% of which were new. A significant portion were not inoculated, but allowed to ferment with indigenous yeasts. Once dry and finished with ML, the barrel-fermented lots were aged on the lees for six months, with occasional stirring to increase richness and body. A select few lots were fermented in stainless, then barreled down later to emphasize fruit and aromatics. The final blend was assembled prior to bottling, which ran from June 15 through 24, 2009.

Wine Production Stats

Alcohol: 14.1%
Total Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.8 g/L
pH: 3.35

The 2008 growing season, coming on the heels of a very dry winter, was notable for reduced vigor in the vines. Less vegetative growth results in improved fruit flavor, and, of course, balanced vines help make balanced wines. Yields were moderate, averaging three to five tons per acre, with Wildcat coming in at the low end, as always. All of the grapes destined for the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay blend were picked by hand inside of three busy weeks, from September 8 through 30.

The grapes for this Chardonnay came from several prime vineyards in southern Sonoma, where the Sonoma Coast meets Carneros, including the Sangiacomo, Champlin Creek, Hi Vista, and Rodgers Creek vineyards. Our own Wildcat Mountain Estate Vineyard, high up in the hills, foggy, windy, and truly coastal in its cool temperament, played a significant role in the blend as well, adding extra dimension.

90 Points

The Tasting Panel Magazine
"Ripe and smooth with bright tropical fruit and vanilla oak; long and lush with lovely flavors and great balance."
- Anthony Dias Blue (2009 vintage)
- October 2011

92 points "Smart Buy"

Wine Spectator
"A rich, elegant style, with intense, concentrated citrus, green apple, spice and fresh-cut flowers. Full-bodied, gaining depth and complexity on the finish, where the minerality shines through. Drink now through 2018."
- James Laube (2008 vintage)
- December 31, 2010

90 Points

Wine Enthusiast
"A very good, useful Chardonnay that's easy to drink, yet also quite complex. Brisk and crisp in acidity, it shows citrus mineral, green apple and floral notes, touched with smoky oak."
- Steve Heimoff (2008 vintage)
- January 1, 2010