Vineyard: Goldrock Ridge

AppellationSonoma Coast
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2014 MacRostie Goldrock Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 441 cases, $56, screwcap. This vineyard is located in the remote reaches of northwestern Sonoma County, a few miles from the Pacific Ocean near Annapolis. At 780-feet elevation, the site is exposed to marine air that frequently brings fog. The result is delayed ripening of mature vines which are grown on low vigor, gravelly loam soil. Clones are 777 and “828.” 100% de-stemmed, inoculated yeast strains, 3-day cold soak, pump-overs and punchdowns. Barrel aged for 17 months in French oak, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of fresh blackberry compote and spice. Exuberant mid weight plus flavors of black raspberry and boysenberry satisfy on the attack and mid palate. Highly flavorful, beautifully ripened fruit backed by crisp acidity and filigree tannins in an impeccably balanced wine that deserves high accolades, especially for the intensely fruited, ebullient finish. Score: 94. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 25,000 cases, $25, screwcap. Sourced from several vineyards in the Sonoma Coast including Sangiacomo, Dutton Ranch, Martinelli Woolsey Road and Goldrock Ridge vineyards. Whole cluster pressed, racked into French oak barrels for fermentation, 20% of which were new. 100% malolactic fermentation, aged on the lees for six months with occasional stirring. A few lots were fermented in stainless steel tanks and never went to barrel. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. I was enamored with the nose which kept pumping out aromas of lemon, spiced pear, golden apple and brioche. Easygoing on the palate, soft and smooth, with flavors of lemon, pear and toast embraced by acidity that is not too assertive. An impressive and very affordable appellation offering. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 MacRostie Goldrock Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 428 cases, $56, screwcap. This vineyard is located a few miles from the Pacific Ocean near the town of Annapolis in the far western Sonoma Coast. Clones 777 and “828” are planted in Goldridge sandy loam soils at an elevation of 780 feet above the fog layer. 100% de-stemmed, 3-day cold soak, inoculated yeast strains, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. This wine is nicely endowed with aromas and flavors of red cherry, strawberry, baking spices, blonde caramel and roasted nuts. Light to mid weighted, with gentle tannins, admirable elegance and plenty of Pinot personality. Score: 91. Reviewed June 5, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Migration Goldrock Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.52, 300 cases, $68. Harvest Brix 25.0º. This vineyard is a few miles from the Pacific Ocean at an elevation of about 600 feet. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of blackberry, woodland and nutty oak. Engaging flavors of blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry in a mid weight style that sports noticeable but not weighty tannins. The overall impression is one of great harmony and polish and a memorable spiced berry and plum flavored finish. Tasted eight hours later from a previously opened and recorked bottle, the wine had come together even more beautifully and offered an arsenal of Pinot joy. Score: 93. Reviewed June 5, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 MacRostie Goldrock Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 290 cases, $54, screwcap. Clones 777 and “828.” 100% de-stemmed, inoculated yeast fermentation, a combination of pump overs and punch downs. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which were new. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of black cherry pie glaze, blackberry jam, oak cask and pipe smoke. Crisp and vibrant, with layers of flavor including dark red and purple berries, black cherry, anise and black tea. Veers to the riper side but retains impressive Pinot character. Lively acidity drives the refreshing and very lengthy finish which is highly satisfying. Score: 92. Reviewed January 23, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »