VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: Wildcat Mountain

AppellationCarneros
VarietiesPinot Noir

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2017 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 19,095 cases, $25. Screw cap. Sourced from Sangiacomo and Hi Vista vineyards in Carneros, Dutton and Martinelli vineyards in the Russian River Valley, and Steve MacRostie’s Wildcat Mountain Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Whole cluster pressed gently, 85% fermented in French oak Barrels, 20% new, and 15% fermented and aged in stainless steel. 85% malolactic fermentation. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose offers a nice mix of lemon, spice, white nectarine, butter and vanilla aromas. Impressive energy with good oak integration, displaying a range of citrus flavors and the slightest note of spice and flint. Slightly creamy in texture, with a lip-smacking finish that leaves a vibrant lemony impression. A terrific value. Score: 90. Reviewed June 19, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 On Point Winemaker’s Selection North Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 142 cases, $39. A blend of Donnelly Creek (46%), Gap’s Crown (37%) and Wildcat Mountain (17%) vineyards. Pommard, 115, “828,” and 667. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 21% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Glorious aromas of purple grape, boysenberry, and oak-driven nuts and vanillin. A generous wine in a mid weight plus style, featuring flavors of blackberry and cassis with hints of vanilla and violet candy. The tannic backbone is well-matched and the modest finish hints at a bit of alcoholic warmth. Resembles the popular Meiomi Pinot Noir in flavor profile. Score: 89. Reviewed April 16, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Anaba Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.64, 121 cases, $56. This hilltop vineyard located at 700 feet elevation was planted in 1998 by vintner Steve MacRostie and partners. Clones 115 and 777. Harvest Brix 23.7º 100% destemmed, aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Teasing aromas of darker cherry, graham and spice. On entry, the wine wows you with mid weight flavors of black cherry and spice. The sumptuous texture caresses and the finish leaves behind endless echoes of aromatic goodness. The balance is impeccable, the wine has style and grace, and the overall experience is seductive. Score: 94. Reviewed February 23, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 MacRostie Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 1,080 cases, $46, screwcap. Vineyard owned by Steve MacRostie and his partners Nancy and Tony Lilly. Clone 76, 95 and 17. Whole cluster pressed, cold settled, cool fermentation, aged 10 months in French oak barrels on the lees with stirring throughout the aging process. The best barrels from each lot were selected for the Wildcat Mountain blend. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. A polished, refreshing wine with clean aromas of lemon, pineapple and brioche leading to flavors of lemon, vanilla and toasty, buttery oak. Easy to drink, with uplifting energy, generous fruit flavors and admirable balance. Score: 91. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 MacPhail Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 108 cases, $49. Release spring 2017. Harvest Brix 23.8º. Clones 115, 667 and 777. Aged 11 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 34% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Oak dominates the character of this wine that has aromas of cherry, old book and toast and flavors of black cherry, dark berries, spice and tobacco. Decent balance of t n’a and some finish filled with sweet dark berry fruits. Score: 88. Reviewed December 13, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

4,661 cases, $34. Sourced from vineyards in the Sonoma Coast AVA, including Champlin Creek and Wildcat Mountain in Petaluma Gap, Hellenthal in Fort Ross-Seaview, and Dutton-Winkler Ranch in the Russian River Valley. 100% de-stemmed, 3- day cold soak, inoculated yeast, punchdowns and pumpovers, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. The nose is both fruity and savory with scents of cherry, strawberry, spice, dried herbs and turned earth. The flavors echo the aromas with some added raspberry notes. Light to mid weight in style and very pleasant, with good vibrancy and silky tannins, finishing modestly with red cherry goodness. Score: 89. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 MacRostie Wildcat Mountain Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc.,1,075 cases, $40, screwcap. Grapes come exclusively from this estate vineyard owned by Steve MacRostie and his partners Nancy and Tony Lily. The wines are planted in sparse volcanic soil and are subjected to strong maritime winds and fog. Four blocks, four clones. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 18% new, 18% one-year-old and the rest older, lees stirred several times. The best barrels from each lot were selected for this bottling. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Pleasing aromas of lemon curd, cut yellow apple and nutty oak. Slightly plush in the mouth, with riveting flavors of grilled peach, lemon creme and wood sap. Nicely put together with impeccable harmony and a refreshing charge of lemon goodness on the finish. Score: 92. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 MacRostie Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 887 cases, $50, screwcap. This is an estate vineyard owned by Steve MacRostie and his partners Nancy and Tony Lilly located on a fog-shrouded mountaintop. Clones 115 and Pommard. 100% de-stemmed into small open-top fermenters, 3-day cold soak, inoculated yeast strains, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 43% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. The aromas of red cherry, baking spice and sandalwood draw you into the glass. This wine delivers more flavor than the light color would suggest. There is a earthy and feral side to the black cherry fruit, herb and mushroom flavors. The mid palate fullness is pleasant, the tannins are well-matched, and the wine finishes in classy style with panache. Score: 92. Reviewed June 5, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Talisman Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.57, 164 cases, $56. Released May 1, 2016. The highest vineyard in the appellation at an elevation of 750 feet. Vines are planted in rocky soils of volcanic origin and exposed to the full brunt of fog and cold airflow that streams off San Pablo Bay. The vineyard was established in 1998 by Nancy and Tony Lilly and their partner, winemaker Steve MacRostie. 25% whole cluster, cold soak, feral fermentation both primary and malolactic, extended post fermentation maceration, and aging 19 months in French oak barrels, 57% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose opens slowly in the glass, revealing aromas of wild berries, underbrush and forest floor. Good attack of Damsel plum, black cherry and purple berry flavors with an earthy undertone. Some drying tannins show up on the finish. Much more aromatic with more finishing power and length when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91-92. Reviewed October 19, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 MacRostie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 4,174 cases, $34, screwcap. Sourced from Champlain Creek and Wildcat Mountain vineyards in the Sonoma Coast, Hellenthal Vineyard in Fort Ross-Seaview, and Dutton-Hallberg Ranch in the Russian River Valley. 100% de-stemmed, inoculated yeast fermentation, punch downs and pump overs, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which were new. · Moderately light ruby color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of cherry, plum and huckleberry with a complimentary touch of spice and oak. Soft and smooth in the mouth with balanced tannins and some finishing fruit presence. Easy to drink. Score: 89. Reviewed January 23, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 MacRostie Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

763 cases, $38. Whole cluster pressed, 100% MLF, aged 10 months on the lees with battonage in French oak barrels, 21% of which were new. · Light golden straw color and clear in the glass. Demure but pleasing aromas of lemon rind, honey, juniper berry and toasty oak lead to tightly wound flavors of lemon, butterscotch, vanilla and toast with a hint of sea spray in the background. Distinctively different from the other MacRostie Chardonnays, this wine challenges the senses, and offers the most lingering finish. Score: 92. Reviewed January 23, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 MacRostie Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 878 cases, $48, screwcap. Mostly clones 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, inoculated yeast fermentation, combination of punch downs and punch overs, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 28% of which were new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Alluring scents of cherry, raspberry, underbrush, spice and subtle oak. Seamless and polished, with mid weight flavors of cherry and red berries accented with a hint of spice and citrus. Very classy, with soft tannins and a dry, refined finish with impressive length. A sensual wine with nuance. Score: 91. Reviewed January 23, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Talisman Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

15.0% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.60, 173 cases, $52. Released June 1, 2015. This vineyard is the highest in the area, situated at 750 feet elevation on the southern flank of the mountain range straddling both Los Carneros and Sonoma Coast appellations. It is exposed to cold and foggy air that arrives through the Petaluma Gap and from San Pablo Bay. Planted in 1998 by Nancy and Tony Lilly and their partner, Steve MacRostie in decomposed volcanic basalt to clones 115, 777 and Pommard. 25% whole cluster. Yield 2.6 tons per acre. Native yeast fermentation, extended postfermentation maceration. Aged 21 months in 100% French oak barrels, 57% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely perfume of wild berries and macerated cherries with just a hint of oak. Silky smooth on the palate with a mid weight array of dark raspberry, pomegranate and cherry flavors framed by refined tannins. There is modest oak seasoning and a healthy tannic backbone that predicts age ability. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose was still bright and pleasing and that silky smooth texture still captivated. My only nit is that a hint of alcoholic warmth creeps in slightly on the finish. Score: 91-92. Reviewed August 18, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Talisman Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 121 cases, $52. Release April 2015. This is from the highest elevation vineyard in the Los Carneros AVA. Soils are decomposed volcanic basalt. The site is very cool with exposure to maritime breezes from San Pablo Bay. Clones 115, 667, 777 and Swan selection. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The deep, earthy nose features black raspberry, blackberry and black cherry fruit in abundance. This wine really wows the palate upon entry with layers of luscious dark cherry and raspberry flavors. Very silky in texture, with tame tannins and a persistent, extremely long and intense berry-driven finish. Beautifully balanced for age ability. Still stunning the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Superlatives do little justice to this special wine. Score: 94. Reviewed October 21, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Fulcrum Wild Cat Mountain Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 99 cases, $54. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard. Aged 16 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Aromas of black raspberries, spiced plum, briar and a hint of mint. Mid weight sappy flavors of dark berries and plums. Soft and harmonious with restrained tannins. Pleasant, but wants for mid palate intensity and a notable finish. Good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Talisman Wildcat Vineyard Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 242 cases, $44. Release April 2014. This vineyard has the highest elevation of any vineyard in the Los Carneros AVA. Red, pebbly clay loam soils born of decomposed volcanic basalt. The site is exposed to a cool air flow from San Pablo Bay. Clones are Dijon 115, 667, 777 and Swan. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose is spectacularly endowed with aromas of boysenberry, wood spice and anise. Soft in the mouth with a plethora of purple and blue berry flavors underlain with an earthy riff. Very mild fine grain tannins, perfect integration of oak, and a satisfying, intensely flavored finish. An evocative wine. Score: 94. Reviewed March 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 MacRostie Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 1,000 cases, $30. Steve MacRostie owner, Kevin W. Holt winemaker. · Blackberry and plum aromas arrive over time in the glass with interesting nuances of underbrush, oak and Asian 5-spice. A husky, rugged wine featuring black raspberry and blackberry flavors backed by a good grip of citric acidity and complimented by an earthy, stem accent. The silky texture adds to the appeal. Very good. Reviewed November 24, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Talisman Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Los Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 120 cases, $45, released April 2009. Highest in elevation of any vineyard in Carneros and directly exposed to cool air from San Pablo Bay. The soil is red pebbly clay loam derived from decomposed volcanic rock. Dijon clones 115, 667 and 777. · Unusual aromatic profile of strawberries, raspberries, beets, and green veggies. Luscious berry melange that is very satisfying, set off by supple ripe tannins, leading to a sweet raspberry kiss accenting the full-flavored finish. Like the name of the vineyard, this wine is a little untamed and feral and not your usual respectable Pinot Noir. Even better the next day from an opened and recorked bottle. Very good. Reviewed December 16, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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