MacMurray Ranch Reserve Russian River Pinot Noir 2016
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A blend o f exceptional lots from their premier Russian River Valley vineyards, the MacMurray Estate Vineyards Russian River Valley Reserve Pinot Noir shows the depth and versatility of this extraordinary region. Characterized by its velvety mouth feel, luxuriously plush fruit characteristics and hints of earthiness, this complex and layered Pinot Noir offers notes of juicy plum, cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry. Subtle floral notes and hints of earth and anise linger on the satisfying finish. Fine-grained tannins and fruit intensity give this Pinot Noir its distinctive, well-structured palate.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Reserve offers up notes of crushed red plums, black raspberries and pomegranate with touches of damp soil and dried herbs. Medium-bodied and delicately crafted with a pleasant savory character in the mouth and plush tannins, it has a refreshing herbal lift on the finish.
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Wine & Spirits
Catch this now for its freshness and gentle rain of brisk fruit. It’s sweetly ripe, moving between saturated flavor and airy grace. Pretty and rich.
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Wine Enthusiast
Velvety and full bodied, this is a robust, ripe wine, high-toned in notes of rhubarb, black tea and turned earth. It presents as lush and persistent on the palate, with a fruit-forward flavor and an impressive underlying complexity.
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MacMurray Estate Vineyards is deeply rooted in Sonoma County. Our namesake Russian River Valley vineyard was once owned by actor Fred MacMurray, who purchased the land in 1941. Today, Fred’s daughter, Kate, remains closely connected to this land, the wines of MacMurray Estate Vineyards, and the local Sonoma community.
While the exceptional MacMurray Ranch Vineyard is home to some of California’s most renowned Pinot Noir vines, for Kate, it is also a place of long-held, cherished memories. The MacMurray family farmed crops and raised cattle on this ranch for many years, taking an active role in the local agricultural community. Kate grew up hiking and riding her horse through the ranch’s majestic rolling hills.
Transformed into a world-class vineyard in 1996, MacMurray Ranch quickly became one of the Russian River Valley’s most acclaimed Pinot Noir vineyards. Today, MacMurray Estate Vineyards has grown to encompass estate vineyards throughout the Russian River Valley and the Central Coast, but we continue to honor our roots and the history of the MacMurray Ranch.
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.