Founded in 1987 by respected winemaker Steve MacRostie, he was one of the pioneers to embrace Pinot Noir in Sonoma County long before it was “cool”. The MacRostie style favors crispness, complexity and vineyard character as opposed to overt opulence. With unique estates Wildcat Mountain in the south end of Sonoma Coast and Thale’s Vineyard (named for his wife) in northwest Russian River, he grows a diversity of Pinot fruit. His relationships also enable him to work with other legendary winegrowing families including the Duttons, Sangiacomos, Martinellis and Bacigalupis. In 2017, San Francisco Magazine’s “Best of Wine Country” issue honored MacRostie as “Best Overall Winery” and “Best Tasting Room”

This gift set by MacRostie is for that special wine enthusiast who appreciates the best expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Russian River Valley.

After tasting The Loch in past vintages, I can attest to the potential of this youthful Pinot Noir. This is a cuvee of the best blocks and barrels of Pinot Noir that MacRostie sources in Sonoma Coast. The beautiful deep garnet color opens with floral aromatics of ground cinnamon and a potpourri of fruitcake spices. The wine illuminates with vibrant fruits of dark red plums, Morello cherries, and red currants intertwined with a whiff of forest earth, pepper and a dusting of cocoa. There is a layer of vanilla foam in the core that complements the sweet, rounded tannins. The Pinot Noir freshness and is well balanced with acidity enabling it to evolve more over time.

This Chardonnay is a blend from three well-known vineyards; Sangiacomo Vineyards, Dutton Ranch and Dale Ricci Vineyards and is aged for 17 months in French Oak barriques (31% new). The 2021 Macrostie “The Key” Chardonnay is the ultimate expression of Chardonnay crafted by winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen. An attractive straw color and aromas of richly woven tropical fruits and flowers invites you inside the glass. On entry you’re greeted with dried Meyer lemon peel, orange marmalade, juicy pineapple and candied ginger. The core offers creamy undertones and sweet toasted oak that is nicely framed with fresh acidity. This youthful wine has plenty of future potential on the horizon, so be patient. https://macrostiewinery.com/wines/crowning-achievement-the-loch-and-the-key-flagship-duo-holiday/

By W Peter Hoyne