Winery - MacRostie
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
MacRostie’s Merlots can sometimes seem like an afterthought, but they’re generally good and sound, and so it is with the ’05. Made mainly from the well-regarded Las Amigas vineyard in Carneros, it’s dry, fairly tannic and rather oaky, and shows currant, anise, cocoa and cedar flavors.
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MacRostie Merlot - 2005
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
From the Napa side, a fine Merlot that shows why Carneros has such a well-deserved reputation for the variety. Dark and juicy, with plum, coffee and herb flavors, this wine has rich tannins and is very dry. It wil likely improve over the next five years.
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MacRostie Merlot - 2001
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Last year, I wrote of this wine that it’s firm in acids and minerals, with apple, citrus and peach flavors and a clean, streamlined finish. The same goes for the ’04. It’s a totally dry, elegantly steely wine that won’t compete with fancy fish or poultry dishes.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The location of this fine vineyard is interesting. It also qualifies for Carneros, on the Sonoma side, which is why it makes such good Pinot Noir. This ‘05 Syrah is a good wine, perhaps not in the league of the ‘01, but firmer and drier than the ‘04. Shows tannic-framed flavors of blackberries, plums, coffee, bitter chocolate, leather and pepper spice. Best before 2011.
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MacRostie Syrah - 2005
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A bit herbal, but those nuances are under control, lending complexity to the black cherry and plum flavors. The result is a medium-weight wine that brings a boatload of spice and meat notes, even a hint of insecticide, yet stays supple and fruity at the same time.
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MacRostie Syrah - 2002
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Although this Chard was put through malolactic, it’s quite acidic, stimulating the tastebuds with citrusy brightness. There are richer flavors of pears and smoky, buttered toast. This is the kind of Chard that gets more interesting in the glass as it warms up.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Here is cool-climate Syrah. There is a white pepper aroma that leaps from the glass, and the acids and tannins are much more pronounced. Yet there are also underlying blackberry and plum flavors that are rich, ripe and dense. The wonderful structure and finesse is easily worth the price.
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MacRostie Syrah - 2001
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A lively citrus tang balances the rounder fig, melon, toast and dried spice flavors that predominate here. Finishes evenly with medium length. It seems to be at its peak, so drink this round and well-integrated Chardonnay up now.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Easily as good as the ’03, this shows well-ripened cherry, cola, coffee and oak flavors, with a rich, kid leather quality and the fine, swift finish of expresso. Crafted from both the Napa and Sonoma sides of the appellation, it’s a complex young Pinot that’s showing really well now.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Impressive for its taut, tightly knit flavors of apples, peaches and pears, held together by firm acids and a smattering of dusty tannins. A high percentage of oak also contributes tannins, as well as sweet vanilla and toast.
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