California native, Steve MacRostie thought he was destined to study medicine. Instead after college he enlisted in the US army and served as a cryptographer in Veneto, Italy. This deployment gave Steve the opportunity to travel throughout Europe as he became enamored with wine. Afterwards, he enrolled in the enology program at UC Davis. He founded MacRostie Winery with his wife Thale in 1987. Lead winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen and Steve work in unison to create the best expression from the Sonoma Coast.

Wildcat Mountain is located in the cool climate, southern end of the Sonoma Coast within the Petaluma Gap AVA. It is always one of my favorites and the most distinctive bottling from MacRostie. This delicate straw colored Chardonnay initially reveals an appealing nose of sweet toasted oak. Beneath this is an exhilarating array of grilled pineapple, dried apricot, lemon marmalade, citron and crushed stones. Delicate acids and plenty of freshness balance out the finish as it remains lively in your mouth for minutes.


By W Peter Hoyne