Owner(s) | Patrick McNeil |
Web site | www.facebook.com/McNeil-Sons-201689223191771/timeline/ |
Link to this site |
The McNeil family has a history in Nicasio in Marin County dating back to 1862. The family's Butcher Shop still stands on the Nicasio Square and is one of the oldest remaining buildings in Nicasio. The family winery specializes in distinct and specific single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from Marin County.
A Marin County Pinot Noir from Chileno Valley Vineyard was produced in 2009 and a Marin County Pinot Noir from Redding Ranch Vineyard was released from the 2010 vintage. One barrel of 2010 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was also produced. The winemaker is Jon Grant.
Located in the northern Marin County fog tunnel known as the Petaluma Gap, the growing season here is extremely long.
The wine is in limited retail distribution in Northern California.
2011 McNeil & Sons Chileno Valley Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., about 75 cases, $60. Clones 667, 777 and Pommard. Yields 1.25 tons per acre. Native fermentation, 50% whole cluster. Winemaker is Jon Grant (Couloir). · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of warm cherry cobbler, green tea leaf, toast and subtle stem. Nicely flavored with juicy, mid weight dark cherry and raspberry fruits with a hint of cardamom spice and oak in the background. Welcoming finesse with balanced tannins and appealing tension. Score: 90. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 McNeil & Sons Redding Ranch Vineyard Marin County Pinot Noir
13.28% alc., 100 cases, $60. Clones 667, 777 and Pommard. Yield .75 tons per acre. Named after the “McNeil & Sons” turn-of-the-century butcher shop that still stands on the Nicasio town square in Marin County. The vineyard is situated at 1,200 feet elevation near the windswept crest of Mount Shroyer, a very cool, coastal site. Chalone Wine Group planted this 20-acres of high-density Pommard and Dijon clones in the spring of 2000. Well-drained, rocky soils. 33% whole cluster, native yeast fermentations, aged in 25% new, 50% once-used and 25% neutral French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. Winemaker is Jon Grant (Couloir). · Moderately light reddishpurple color in the glass. The nose unfolds slowly in the glass, reaching an interesting array of scents including cherries, spice and bramble. Medium weighted and elegant, with layers of flavor including dark red cherry mash, blueberries, tea, stem and Asian 5-spice. Exotic and distinctive, with well-mannered tannins and admirable length. A very interesting wine that veers from the usual California paradigm. Very good. Source: www.mcneilwines.com and The Butcher Shop, Nicasio, California. Reviewed February 22, 2012 ARTICLE »