MacMurray Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Gris 2009
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Robert
Parker
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MacMurray Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Gris possesses an expressive fruit-forward character, exhibiting rich aromas of fig, white peach, and pear. The bright aromas and complex varietal characters of citrus and elements of spice add both weight and interest to the wine. The flavors of peach, spicy pear and citrus meld together in a rich core, resulting in a round mouth feel which complement its crisp, clean finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Pinot Gris (primarily from the Sonoma Coast) exhibits lots of elegant, orange rind, apple and melon characteristics in its medium-bodied, crisp, flavorful, bone dry personality. Aged totally in stainless steel, this naked expression of Pinot Gris should be consumed over the next year.
Other Vintages
2008-
Robert
Parker
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.
Showing a unique rosy, purplish hue upon full ripeness, this “white” variety is actually born out of a mutation of Pinot Noir. The grape boasts two versions of its name, as well as two generally distinct styles. In Italy, Pinot Grigio achieves most success in the mountainous regions of Trentino and Alto Adige as well as in the neighboring Friuli—all in Italy’s northeast. France's Alsace and Oregon's Willamette Valley produce some of the world's most well-regarded Pinot Gris wine. California produces both styles with success.
Where Does Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio Come From?
Pinot Gris is originally from France, and it is technically not a variety but a clone of Pinot Noir. In Italy it’s called Pinot Grigio (Italian for gray), and it is widely planted in northern and NE Italy. Pinot Gris is also grown around the globe, most notably in Oregon, California, and New Zealand. No matter where it’s made or what it’s called, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio produces many exciting styles.
Tasting Notes for Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a dry, white wine naturally low in acidity. Pinot Grigio wines showcase signature flavors and aromas of stone fruit, citrus, honeysuckle, pear and almond. Alsatian styles are refreshing, expressive, aromatic (think rose and honey), smooth, full-bodied and richly textured and sometimes relatively higher in alcohol compared to their Italian counterpart. As Pinot Grigio in Italy, the style is often light and charming. The focus here is usually to produce a crisp, refreshing, lighter style of wine. While there are regional differences of Pinot Grigio, the typical profile includes lemon, lime and subtle minerality.
Pinot Grigio Food Pairings
The viscosity of a typical Alsatian Pinot Gris allows it to fit in harmoniously with the region's rich foods like pork, charcuterie and foie gras. Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, with its citrusy freshness, works well as an aperitif wine or with seafood and subtle chicken dishes.
Sommelier Secrets
Given the pinkish color of its berries and aromatic potential if cared for to fully ripen, the Pinot Grigio variety is actually one that is commonly used to make "orange wines." An orange wine is a white wine made in the red wine method, i.e. with fermentation on its skins. This process leads to a wine with more ephemeral aromas, complexity on the palate and a pleasant, light orange hue.
A vast appellation covering Sonoma County’s Pacific coastline, the Sonoma Coast AVA runs all the way from the Mendocino County border, south to the San Pablo Bay. The region can actually be divided into two sections—the actual coastal vineyards, marked by marine soils, cool temperatures and saline ocean breezes—and the warmer, drier vineyards further inland, which are still heavily influenced by the Pacific but not quite with same intensity.
Contained within the appellation are the much smaller Fort Ross-Seaview and Petaluma Gap AVAs.
The Sonoma Coast is highly regarded for elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and, increasingly, cool-climate Syrah. The wines have high acidity, moderate alcohol, firm tannin, and balanced ripeness.