I first found MacPhail Wines at a tasting held at San Francisco Wine Trading Company last year, at the recommendation of my friend. Since i know he is a bigger wino than I am – NO! It’s true Alex you are! – I couldn’t miss it, and I knew that I would be blown away. BOY was I not wrong! At the time, I was pinching the employment pennies and only walked out with one bottle of the Sonoma Coast which I am treasuring like a pot of gold.
Recently, my wino friends Jim, Shana, Vicki and Lil and I snuck in an impromptu visit with James and his dog, Zuni. I am in love. Pure, magical, pinot love. One was better than the last, and the last was better than the first!
MacPhail Family Vineyards was founded in 2002, with a directive to create passionate Pinot Noir from the best Sonoma and Mendocino County sources. To that end, here are my yumyumyummy notes from our visit!
2008 Rose of Pinot Noir was a deep rose hue, and smelled of rose petals, hibiscus and cranberry. I tasted the cranberry and hibiscus as well, along with red ziner, rich red fruit, and grapefruit.
2007 Sonoma Coast
is a blend of two vineyards, the Pratt Vineyard and the Goodin Vineyards, both of which are located in Sebastapol. These wines were vinified separately, and then hand picked for the single vineyard wines. The remainder was blended in to this treat, which showed spicy clove, dusty cherry, black cherry, even a touch of blackberry, followed by Dr. Pepper, and dark rich intense flavors.
2007 Anderson Valley Toulouse Vinyeard is a combination of a the Dijon clones 115, 667, 777, and 2A. MacPhail is one of the premier examples of a Toulouse pinot, and one of the first. This is a big pijnot for Anderson valley, and was full of bright strawberries, salty creamy berryies, lots of earthy bark and cinniomn. It had a lighter body and color and was zippy.
2007 Sonoma Coast Goodin Vinyard had a rich, deeper color. I loved the rich, spicy earth flavors. Lots of Dr. Pepper and black cherry. Dark delicious ruit.
2007 Anderson Valley Vagon Rouge was a very special wine indeed! Only 8 barrels were made, and it had wild strawberry, rich intense fruit and bright red berries with a nice balance.
Strictly speaking, I loved ALL of these wines. I left with 3 bottles to add to my 1 at home, and I will remember my visit for a long time. I look forward to coming back and tasting again next year!
