2008 MacRostie Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Sonoma Coast, California

MacRostie Chardonnay is a white wine gem from the Sonoma Coast region north of San Francisco. MacRostie Winery and Vineyards was founded by winemaker Steve MacRostie in 1987. As an innovative winemaker pioneering a sophisticated style of Chardonnay, Steve dedicated himself to crafting wines embodying an authentic sense of place. MacRostie’s Chardonnays were soon widely hailed for their unique balance of cool-climate structure and bright Carneros fruit. This vintage was sourced from several prime vineyards in southern Sonoma, where the Sonoma Coast meets Carneros, including the Sangiacomo, Champlin Creek, Hi Vista, and Rodgers Creek vineyards in addition to the winery’s own Wildcat Mountain Estate Vineyard. The grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed immediately after harvest. Most of the juice was then racked to French and Hungarian oak barrels for fermentation (20 percent new). To emphasize more delicate fruit and aromatic components in the final blend, a few lots were tank fermented and saw no oak. Once dry and finished with malolactic fermentation, the barrel-fermented lots were aged on the lees for six months for added complexity. This new 2008 release received a rating of 92 points from Wine Spectator!

MacRostie Chardonnay is a beautiful pale straw color with bright, creamy, lemon custard aromas, and a bit of floral vanilla. On the palate the wine is rich and round, revealing balanced layers of tropical pineapple and hints of key lime pie. The finish is both crisp and creamy, inviting another sip. Though already drinking beautifully, this wine will only gain in depth and texture with a few months in bottle.

Enjoy MacRostie Chardonnay over the next 4-5 years with grilled swordfish, roast chicken, veal, grilled vegetables and cheeses.