Winemaker Notes
With vineyards in some of the world's most sought-after Pinot Noir regions, MacMurray Vineyards crafts a collection of estate Pinot Noirs. Their namesake Russian River Valley vineyard, MacMurray Ranch, was once owned by actor Fred MacMurray, who purchased the land in 1941. To create this Pinot Noir, their winemaker selected grapes from estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley, giving it rich aromas and flavors of raspberry, cherry, lavender and boysenberry.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley gives intense red currants and Bing cherries with hints of blackberries and black pepper plus a waft of underbrush. Medium-bodied, finely crafted and refreshing on the palate, it has a lovely structure of finely grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a compelling mineral note.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.