Dec 30, 2022
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McIntyre Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Kimberly McIntyre, Steve McIntyre |
| Web site | www.mcintyrevineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
Steve McIntyre has three decades of experience in sustainable winegrowing in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The McIntyre Estate Vineyard is located in the central section of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Originally planted by the McFarland family in 1973, it contains some of the oldest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Steve McIntyre acquired the 80-acre property in 1987.
37 acres are own-rooted Pinot Noir heritage clone, oldest in the Santa Lucia Highlands. 10 acres of Pinot Noir 115 and 77 and 13 acres of Chardonnay 96 and 76.
Some of the Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are set aside for the McIntrye Vineyards label (about 15 acres) and the rest is sold to producers such as Morgan, De Tierra, Joullian and La Rochelle. The first vintage for McIntyre wines debuted with the 2005 vintage.
Other vineyards sourced for the McIntyre Vineyards label include Mission Ranch Vineyard (Arroyo Seco) and Kimberly Vineyard (Arroyo Seco).
Steve and his wife Kimberly started Monterey Pacific, Inc., a viticulture management and development company which has grown to be the fifth largest vineyard management company in the U.S. at over 11,000 acres. Steve was one of the initial founding members of the Central Coast Vineyard Team's Sustainability in Practice (SIP) program.
The winemaker is Byron Kosuge. The wines (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot and Sparkling) are sold through the winery's website store.
Articles About McIntyre Vineyards
2014 California Chardonnay All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2014 California Pinot Noir Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2014 California Value Priced Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2014 California Value Priced Pinot Noir First Team All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
Affairs of the Vine Pinot Summit Results (8.35 4/11/2011)
Along the Pinot Trail in California: Part I - Central Coast (9.8 6/24/2012)
California Chardonnay (9.8 6/24/2012)
California Old Vine Pinot Noir Vineyards: Monterey County (12.8 8/30/2020)
McIntyre Vineyards Celebrates 25th Anniversary (9.37 2/4/2014)
Pinot Shootout Finals Tasting (8.30 1/27/2011)
Recently Reviewed CA & OR Pinot Noir Wines (12.30 7/24/2022)
Sips of California Pinot Noir (9.18 1/19/2013)
Reviewed Wines
2019 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyards Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.60, 952
cases, $38. A combination of Swan and “Old Vine” selections
and clones 777 and 115 from the McIntyre Estate Vineyard.
Indigenous yeast fermentations.
·
Light garnet color in the glass.
The aromas of dark red cherry, spice and earthy flora lead to a
very satisfying mid-weight core of black cherry, clove and
baking spice flavors. Highly approachable with only minimal
tannins showing up on the modest but likable finish.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2019 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyard McIntyre Winemaker Series Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.55, 180 cases, $56. A field blend of
equal parts Swan and Calera selections along with Dijon 115
clone. Crafted by veteran winemaker Don Van Staavern who
has 50 years of experience.15% whole cluster. Aged 13
months with monthly lees stirring.
·
Alluring aromas of black
raspberry jam, black cherry and rose petal. The flavors echo
the nose in a middleweight style with added flavors of clove
and spice. Seamless in style, with reserved tannins and a
lengthy finish. Highly enjoyable.
Score: 94.
Reviewed July 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2018 McIntyre Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.62, 1,561 cases, $28. A
combination of Swan clone from Escolle Road Vineyard and clone 115 and “Old Vine” selection from the Estate
Vineyard. Indigenous yeast fermentations.
·
Light garnet color in the glass. Enticing scents of cherry, white
pepper and brown spices. Lighter in weight but with a redeeming impression of red cherry and red berry fruit
flavors. Nicely composed in a carefree style with good crispness. An excellent daily drinker for the dinner table.
Score: 90.
Reviewed July 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2018 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.58,
510 cases, $48. An amalgamation of the best blocks, the best lots and the best barrels from the 80-acre Estate
Vineyard. The core comes form the “Old Vine” Block planted on its own roots more than four decades ago and
is one of the oldest planting of Pinot Noir in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Indigenous yeast fermentations.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of earth-kissed dark fruits, spice and toast. Joyously fruit-laden in a
mid to full-weight, charming style with a thin overcoat of oak and modest supportive tannins.
Score: 91.
Reviewed July 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2017 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.61,
346 cases, $48. A combination of the best blocks, the best lots, and the best barrels from the 80-acre Estate
Vineyard with the core from the “Old Vine” Block. Indigenous yeast fermentations.
·
Dark garnet color in the
glass. A very ripe fruit profile dominates the nose and palate. Aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, raisin and
almond paste. Full-weighted style with bold flavors of jammy boysenberry, black raspberry and raisin. The wine
finishes with a flourish of intensely-flavored fruit compote.
Score: 88.
Reviewed July 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2016 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyard Block 3 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.66,
TA 0.59, 104 cases, $56. A combination of the Swan clone and the “Old Vine” Block. The crop was thinned to a
maximum of three tons per acre or 1.5 lbs of fruit per foot of cordon. Indigenous yeast fermentations.
·
Dark
garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of blueberry-pomegranate and a compliment of toasty oak.
An onslaught of purple and black berry fruits greet the palate. Not particularly nuanced but plenty of
ostentatious fruit. Modest tannins, low acidity and a finish of modest length. The slightest warmth shows up on
the finish.
Score: 91.
Reviewed July 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2015 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyard Block 3 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.56,
TA 0.59, 1091 cases, $56. A combination of Swan, Dijon 115, and “old Vine” clones from the Estate Vineyard.
Indigenous yeast fermentations.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas take time to emerge
include boysenberry, violets, spice and smoke. Dominated by very ripe purple and black fruits in a mid-weight
plus style. Moderate tannins support the fresh fruit load. (Best of two bottles sampled).
Score: 91.
Reviewed July 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2015 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyard Old Vine Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.61,
TA 0.57, 98 cases, $65. The “Old Vine” Block was planted on its own roots more than four decades ago,
making it one of the oldest plantings of Pinot Noir in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Indigenous yeast
fermentations.
·
Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, woodland and burnt toast. A pleasant wine on
the palate but not what I have come to expect from an old vine bottling. There is simply too much oak overlay
that suffocates the black cherry core of fruit. The finish lacks the length I expect from old vine Pinot Noir.
Score: 89.
Reviewed July 24, 2022
ARTICLE »
2012 McIntyre Vineyards Estate 25th Anniversary Edition Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.4% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.58, 792 cases, $28. Released December 2013. From
a block of clone 76 planted in 2000. VSP trellis with cluster thinning. Harvest Brix 25.0º Brix.
Whole cluster pressed, 20% whole cluster, fermented in new Siruge French oak barrels and
aged in 33% new French oak barrels for 10 months. 100% MLF.
·
Moderate straw color in the
glass. Lovely aromas of lemon, tropical fruits, floral display and a hint of buttered popcorn. A
Caliesque style of Chardonnay with plenty of showy fruit flavor including lemon, pear and
pineapple. Seductively creamy on the palate with bright underlying acidity and a silky finish. I couldn’t help
returning to the glass to take another sip. A complete charmer at a very attractive price.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 4, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 McIntyre Vineyards Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.58, 604
cases, $32. Released December 2013. A blend of two vineyards and three different clones: 943 and
Swan from Escolle Vineyard and 777 from the McIntyre Estate Vineyard. Harvest Brix 25.0º. Aged
10 months in 33% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Bright
aromas of boysenberry, blackberry and spice. Mid to full-bodied core of ripe boysenberry fruit with
hints of cassis and licorice. Nicely integrated oak and balanced tannins make for easy drinking now.
Well-crafted and flavorful.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 4, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 McIntyre Vineyards Estate 25th Anniversary Edition Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.76, TA
0.60, 340 cases, $36. Released December 2013. Harvest Brix
25.0º. Dijon 115 and a “heritage” clone from a 40-year-old
own-rooted planting of Pinot Noir. Indigenous yeast and
malolactic fermentations. Aged in 33% new French oak
barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. The
aromas have not arrived in this wine, but the delicious flavors are striking. An
array of layered fruits meet the mid palate with ripe black raspberry, black
currant, plum and dark chocolate notes. Full-bodied with firm but complimentary
tannins. Impressive intensity with finishing power and persistence. An age worthy wine that needs time for the
aromas to arrive and the tannins to integrate. More appealing the following day from a previously opened and
re-corked bottle sporting inviting aromas of dark berries, black cherry and spice. Decant if you must drink now.
A handsome and pedigreed example of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir.
Score: 94.
Reviewed February 4, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 McIntyre Vineyards Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.79% alc., pH 3.51, 517
cases, $28. Dijon clone 76. Vinified at Copain Winery in Santa Rosa by Byron Kosuge. Whole
cluster pressed. Fermented in new Siruge French oak barrels. Aged 8 months. 100% MLF.
·
Golden
straw color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, baked pear and banana pudding. Tasty
core of pear, lemon-lime citrus, toffee and a hint of banana framed by bright acidity producing a juicy
wine with a crisp finish. Good (+).
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 McIntyre Vineyards Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.62,
241 cases, $36. From the SIP Certified McIntyre Vineyard. Dijon clone 777 and 115. Indigenous yeast
fermentation and indigenous bacteria malolactic fermentation.
·
Deep, dark purple color in the glass.
Very fragrant with intense aromas of blackberry jam, black plum sauce, black currants, spice and darkly
colored rose petals. Just gorgeous. Delicious earth bound flavors of black plum, blackberry and black
currant with a very subtle citrus note on the finish. Full-bodied, but not heavy or jammy. Very soft and
ephemeral in the mouth with gossamer tannins and impeccable balance. This wine really speaks of the Santa
Lucia Highlands.
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 McIntyre Vineyards Estate Block K-1 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.43% alc., pH 3.43, TA
0.69, 100 cases, $38. Whole cluster pressed, fermented in new Siruge French oak barrels and aged 8 months
where it underwent full MLF.
·
Golden straw color and clear in the glass. Shy, but clean aromas of wet stones,
peach, butter and acacia. A little more body and intensity than the regular Estate bottling with pleasing flavors
of lemon, white peach, brioche, toffee and vanilla, offering a slightly creamy mouthfeel, and finishing dry and
smooth. A Chardonnay that could benefit from a little more time in the bottle but hard to resist now. Very good.
Reviewed January 19, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 McIntyre Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.3% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.69, 290 cases, $28.
Released winter 2010. Winemakers Steve McIntyre and Byron Kosuge. From the Home Estate, the oldest
Chardonnay plantings in the Santa Lucia Highlands. 100% MLF, aged 8 months in barrel.
·
Light straw color and clear in the glass. Very muted
nose, offering demure aromas of baked apple, citrus peel, peach and fresh brioche. More expressive on the
palate, with flavors of baked pears, honey, lemon and toffee. Light and reserved in style with zippy acidity.
Decent.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 McIntyre Vineyards Estate Block K-1 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.4% alc., pH 3.43, TA
0.69, 100 cases, $38. Released winter 2010. From the oldest Chardonnay plantings in the Santa Lucia
Highlands. Dijon clones 96 and 76. Native yeast fermentation. Aged 8 months in new Siruge French oak barrels, 100% MLF, Winemaker is Byron Kosuge.
·
Light straw color and clear in the glass.
Reserved aromas of lemon curd, white peach and marzipan. Tasty, with modest flavors of lemon, toast and
roasted nuts, finishing with reasonable intensity and offering refreshing acidity. A little more body and interest
than the Estate bottling. Good (+).
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 McIntyre Vineyards Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.63, 240 cases, $38. Predominantly Dijon clone
777. Indigenous yeast fermentations. Crafted by Byron Kosuge.
·
Dark
reddish-purple color in the glass. Opulent aromas of black cherries, black
raspberries, cardamom spice and toasty oak. Pumps out the fragrance
consistently over time in the glass. Very tasty core of dark cherry and
dark berry fruits with a subtle hint of oak toast and vanillin in the background.
Smooth and luxurious on the palate with soft, restrained tannins and some
persistence on the finish. Very drinkable now, but the balance predicts a long
life ahead.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2010 McIntyre Vineyards East Block 3 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.65, 100 cases,
$46. Released spring 2011. Sourced from select lots of the 60-acre estate sustainably farmed home
estate vineyard. Native yeast fermentation. Owner and grower Steve McIntyre. Winemaker Byron
Kosuge.
·
Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Alluring aromas of dark berries, plum pudding and
subtle oak. Delicious middleweight flavors of black raspberry, blackberry and black plum wrapped in soft
tannins, finishing with remarkable fruit presence on the lengthy finish. Impeccable balance. Can age
but drinkable now.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2008 McIntyre Vineyards Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
390 cases, $36.
·
Deep perfume of plum
reduction sauce, wild berries and a hint of oak. Delicious and plush dark red stone fruits and berries with a
substantial tannic backbone and a dry finish that clings to the palate.
Reviewed January 27, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 McIntyre Vineyards Mission Ranch Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.64,$36. Released spring 2011.
Clone 667 from Mission Ranch Vineyard. Vinified by Byron Kosuge.
·
Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Perfume of
dark red cherries, berry glaze, leaf and oak. This wine offers only a glimpse of its future potential. A little rustic
and closed down now, but showing sparks of flavorful purple and black fruits caressed by supple tannins.
Better and better over time in the glass. The velvety texture is very pinotesque. Cellar or decant if you must
open now. Very good.
Reviewed June 24, 2012
ARTICLE »
2019 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyards Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.60, 952 cases, $38. A combination of Swan and “Old Vine” selections and clones 777 and 115 from the McIntyre Estate Vineyard. Indigenous yeast fermentations. · Light garnet color in the glass. The aromas of dark red cherry, spice and earthy flora lead to a very satisfying mid-weight core of black cherry, clove and baking spice flavors. Highly approachable with only minimal tannins showing up on the modest but likable finish. Score: 90. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2019 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyard McIntyre Winemaker Series Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.55, 180 cases, $56. A field blend of equal parts Swan and Calera selections along with Dijon 115 clone. Crafted by veteran winemaker Don Van Staavern who has 50 years of experience.15% whole cluster. Aged 13 months with monthly lees stirring. · Alluring aromas of black raspberry jam, black cherry and rose petal. The flavors echo the nose in a middleweight style with added flavors of clove and spice. Seamless in style, with reserved tannins and a lengthy finish. Highly enjoyable. Score: 94. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2018 McIntyre Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.62, 1,561 cases, $28. A combination of Swan clone from Escolle Road Vineyard and clone 115 and “Old Vine” selection from the Estate Vineyard. Indigenous yeast fermentations. · Light garnet color in the glass. Enticing scents of cherry, white pepper and brown spices. Lighter in weight but with a redeeming impression of red cherry and red berry fruit flavors. Nicely composed in a carefree style with good crispness. An excellent daily drinker for the dinner table. Score: 90. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2018 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.58, 510 cases, $48. An amalgamation of the best blocks, the best lots and the best barrels from the 80-acre Estate Vineyard. The core comes form the “Old Vine” Block planted on its own roots more than four decades ago and is one of the oldest planting of Pinot Noir in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Indigenous yeast fermentations. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of earth-kissed dark fruits, spice and toast. Joyously fruit-laden in a mid to full-weight, charming style with a thin overcoat of oak and modest supportive tannins. Score: 91. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2017 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.61, 346 cases, $48. A combination of the best blocks, the best lots, and the best barrels from the 80-acre Estate Vineyard with the core from the “Old Vine” Block. Indigenous yeast fermentations. · Dark garnet color in the glass. A very ripe fruit profile dominates the nose and palate. Aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, raisin and almond paste. Full-weighted style with bold flavors of jammy boysenberry, black raspberry and raisin. The wine finishes with a flourish of intensely-flavored fruit compote. Score: 88. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2016 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyard Block 3 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.59, 104 cases, $56. A combination of the Swan clone and the “Old Vine” Block. The crop was thinned to a maximum of three tons per acre or 1.5 lbs of fruit per foot of cordon. Indigenous yeast fermentations. · Dark garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of blueberry-pomegranate and a compliment of toasty oak. An onslaught of purple and black berry fruits greet the palate. Not particularly nuanced but plenty of ostentatious fruit. Modest tannins, low acidity and a finish of modest length. The slightest warmth shows up on the finish. Score: 91. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2015 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyard Block 3 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.59, 1091 cases, $56. A combination of Swan, Dijon 115, and “old Vine” clones from the Estate Vineyard. Indigenous yeast fermentations. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas take time to emerge include boysenberry, violets, spice and smoke. Dominated by very ripe purple and black fruits in a mid-weight plus style. Moderate tannins support the fresh fruit load. (Best of two bottles sampled). Score: 91. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2015 McIntyre McIntyre Estate Vineyard Old Vine Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.57, 98 cases, $65. The “Old Vine” Block was planted on its own roots more than four decades ago, making it one of the oldest plantings of Pinot Noir in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Indigenous yeast fermentations. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, woodland and burnt toast. A pleasant wine on the palate but not what I have come to expect from an old vine bottling. There is simply too much oak overlay that suffocates the black cherry core of fruit. The finish lacks the length I expect from old vine Pinot Noir. Score: 89. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »
2012 McIntyre Vineyards Estate 25th Anniversary Edition Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.4% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.58, 792 cases, $28. Released December 2013. From a block of clone 76 planted in 2000. VSP trellis with cluster thinning. Harvest Brix 25.0º Brix. Whole cluster pressed, 20% whole cluster, fermented in new Siruge French oak barrels and aged in 33% new French oak barrels for 10 months. 100% MLF. · Moderate straw color in the glass. Lovely aromas of lemon, tropical fruits, floral display and a hint of buttered popcorn. A Caliesque style of Chardonnay with plenty of showy fruit flavor including lemon, pear and pineapple. Seductively creamy on the palate with bright underlying acidity and a silky finish. I couldn’t help returning to the glass to take another sip. A complete charmer at a very attractive price. Score: 94. Reviewed February 4, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 McIntyre Vineyards Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.58, 604 cases, $32. Released December 2013. A blend of two vineyards and three different clones: 943 and Swan from Escolle Vineyard and 777 from the McIntyre Estate Vineyard. Harvest Brix 25.0º. Aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Bright aromas of boysenberry, blackberry and spice. Mid to full-bodied core of ripe boysenberry fruit with hints of cassis and licorice. Nicely integrated oak and balanced tannins make for easy drinking now. Well-crafted and flavorful. Score: 90. Reviewed February 4, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 McIntyre Vineyards Estate 25th Anniversary Edition Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.76, TA 0.60, 340 cases, $36. Released December 2013. Harvest Brix 25.0º. Dijon 115 and a “heritage” clone from a 40-year-old own-rooted planting of Pinot Noir. Indigenous yeast and malolactic fermentations. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. The aromas have not arrived in this wine, but the delicious flavors are striking. An array of layered fruits meet the mid palate with ripe black raspberry, black currant, plum and dark chocolate notes. Full-bodied with firm but complimentary tannins. Impressive intensity with finishing power and persistence. An age worthy wine that needs time for the aromas to arrive and the tannins to integrate. More appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle sporting inviting aromas of dark berries, black cherry and spice. Decant if you must drink now. A handsome and pedigreed example of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Score: 94. Reviewed February 4, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 McIntyre Vineyards Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.79% alc., pH 3.51, 517 cases, $28. Dijon clone 76. Vinified at Copain Winery in Santa Rosa by Byron Kosuge. Whole cluster pressed. Fermented in new Siruge French oak barrels. Aged 8 months. 100% MLF. · Golden straw color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, baked pear and banana pudding. Tasty core of pear, lemon-lime citrus, toffee and a hint of banana framed by bright acidity producing a juicy wine with a crisp finish. Good (+). Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 McIntyre Vineyards Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.62, 241 cases, $36. From the SIP Certified McIntyre Vineyard. Dijon clone 777 and 115. Indigenous yeast fermentation and indigenous bacteria malolactic fermentation. · Deep, dark purple color in the glass. Very fragrant with intense aromas of blackberry jam, black plum sauce, black currants, spice and darkly colored rose petals. Just gorgeous. Delicious earth bound flavors of black plum, blackberry and black currant with a very subtle citrus note on the finish. Full-bodied, but not heavy or jammy. Very soft and ephemeral in the mouth with gossamer tannins and impeccable balance. This wine really speaks of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 McIntyre Vineyards Estate Block K-1 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.43% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.69, 100 cases, $38. Whole cluster pressed, fermented in new Siruge French oak barrels and aged 8 months where it underwent full MLF. · Golden straw color and clear in the glass. Shy, but clean aromas of wet stones, peach, butter and acacia. A little more body and intensity than the regular Estate bottling with pleasing flavors of lemon, white peach, brioche, toffee and vanilla, offering a slightly creamy mouthfeel, and finishing dry and smooth. A Chardonnay that could benefit from a little more time in the bottle but hard to resist now. Very good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 McIntyre Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.3% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.69, 290 cases, $28. Released winter 2010. Winemakers Steve McIntyre and Byron Kosuge. From the Home Estate, the oldest Chardonnay plantings in the Santa Lucia Highlands. 100% MLF, aged 8 months in barrel. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Very muted nose, offering demure aromas of baked apple, citrus peel, peach and fresh brioche. More expressive on the palate, with flavors of baked pears, honey, lemon and toffee. Light and reserved in style with zippy acidity. Decent. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 McIntyre Vineyards Estate Block K-1 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
14.4% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.69, 100 cases, $38. Released winter 2010. From the oldest Chardonnay plantings in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Dijon clones 96 and 76. Native yeast fermentation. Aged 8 months in new Siruge French oak barrels, 100% MLF, Winemaker is Byron Kosuge. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Reserved aromas of lemon curd, white peach and marzipan. Tasty, with modest flavors of lemon, toast and roasted nuts, finishing with reasonable intensity and offering refreshing acidity. A little more body and interest than the Estate bottling. Good (+). Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 McIntyre Vineyards Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.63, 240 cases, $38. Predominantly Dijon clone 777. Indigenous yeast fermentations. Crafted by Byron Kosuge. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Opulent aromas of black cherries, black raspberries, cardamom spice and toasty oak. Pumps out the fragrance consistently over time in the glass. Very tasty core of dark cherry and dark berry fruits with a subtle hint of oak toast and vanillin in the background. Smooth and luxurious on the palate with soft, restrained tannins and some persistence on the finish. Very drinkable now, but the balance predicts a long life ahead. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2010 McIntyre Vineyards East Block 3 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.65, 100 cases, $46. Released spring 2011. Sourced from select lots of the 60-acre estate sustainably farmed home estate vineyard. Native yeast fermentation. Owner and grower Steve McIntyre. Winemaker Byron Kosuge. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Alluring aromas of dark berries, plum pudding and subtle oak. Delicious middleweight flavors of black raspberry, blackberry and black plum wrapped in soft tannins, finishing with remarkable fruit presence on the lengthy finish. Impeccable balance. Can age but drinkable now. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »
2008 McIntyre Vineyards Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
390 cases, $36. · Deep perfume of plum reduction sauce, wild berries and a hint of oak. Delicious and plush dark red stone fruits and berries with a substantial tannic backbone and a dry finish that clings to the palate. Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 McIntyre Vineyards Mission Ranch Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.64,$36. Released spring 2011. Clone 667 from Mission Ranch Vineyard. Vinified by Byron Kosuge. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Perfume of dark red cherries, berry glaze, leaf and oak. This wine offers only a glimpse of its future potential. A little rustic and closed down now, but showing sparks of flavorful purple and black fruits caressed by supple tannins. Better and better over time in the glass. The velvety texture is very pinotesque. Cellar or decant if you must open now. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »