97 Points -
"The 2021 Pinot Noir MacLean's Block pours a ripe ruby color and is more reserved in nature. It’s smoky with delicate spice as well as aromas of charred rosemary, redcurrant, and iron-rich earth. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a more linear approach, with a touch of angularity and a fresh feel to its ripe tannins. With crunchy red cherry fruit, cedar, and a pleasing bit of salinity, I like this a lot for its vibrant energy."- Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com, July 2023
Tasting Notes
Dark cherry, concentrated blueberry, Asian spice and forest floor aromas are complemented by a broad and pliant texture and a mocha-spice finish. Black cherry, black tea and leather flavors all give this well-structured wine a wonderful combination of drinkability and ageability.
Historic Acclaim
2021: 97 Points, Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com, July 2023
2019: 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, August 2022
2019: 95 Points, Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast, September 2022
2019: 94 Points, Erin Brooks, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, July 2022
2018: 98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, July 2021
2018: 95 Points, Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast, September 2021
2017: 94+ Points, L. P-B, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, January 2021
2017: 93 Points, Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast, July 2020
2016: 96+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, June 2019
2016: 95+ Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, October 2018
2015: 95 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, December 2017
2014: 94 Points, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, October 2016
2013: 93+ points Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, October 2015
2012: 90+ points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May 2014
2011: 93 points Wine Enthusiast
2011: 91-92 points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May 2013
2010: 91-92 points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May 2012
2009: 91 points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, December 2011
2009: 91+ points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May 2011
2008: 91+ points Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, February 2011
2008: 91+ points Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May 2010
2007: 94 points Wine Enthusiast
Vineyard & Vintage Character
MacLean’s Block, named after Don and Jennifer Hartford’s son, was planted in 2000 when MacLean was just three years old. MacLean loves the vineyard site and its surrounding forest that is home to cougars, bobcats, wild turkeys and red-tailed hawks and now a bear. It is an estate-owned vineyard, nestled near redwood and mixed oak and pine groves on a beautiful north-eastern facing slope, near the small town of Occidental. Scenic views of the Russian River Valley, Mount St. Helena and Geyser Peak make MacLean’s block one of the most beautiful vineyard locations in all of Sonoma County. The site is planted to Dijon 667 and 777 selections on Goldridge fine sandy loam soils. There is a true sense of the forest that surrounds the vineyard that carries through into this compelling expression of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
Wine Details
Oak: 100% French oak, 0% new
Time in oak: 16 months
Yeast: Native
Alcohol: 14.7%
TA: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.61
Cases produced: 170
Unfined and unfiltered