MacMurray Ranch is quickly becoming known for producing world-class Pinot Noir. Whether from the Russian River or Sonoma Coast appellations, our Pinot Noirs express the legacy of the land from which they are produced.
DESCRIPTION: This is a classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, with concentrated fruit flavors of red and black fruits. Deep black cherry notes are complimented by subtle oak to add richness and depth to the finish. This is an earthy wine with nuances of brown spice that will pair well with rack of lamb, grilled salmon and Shitake mushroom risotto.
Detailed Winemaker's Notes WINEMAKING NOTES: Winemaker: Susan Doyle
The grapes were harvested early in the morning, de-stemmed and cold soaked for approximately five days before primary fermentation began. We utilized a mix of natural and Burgundian yeasts selected to complement the terroir of the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Upon completion of primary fermentation, the wine went through malolactic fermentation and a percentage of the wine received oak contact during maturation. A variety of new French oak barrels with medium to light toast levels were used in order to complement the delicate, elegant Pinot Noir aromas and flavors.
VITICULTURAL NOTES: The challenging 2008 growing season began with unusually dry weather in late winter and spring with unexpected frost in late April. As the vines were beginning to bloom in May, an extended heat wave set a smaller crop than normal in the vineyards. However, the end of spring and the summer months were typically moderate and warm with few heat spikes, which provided perfect conditions for the ripening of our Chardonnay grapes. Harvest began earlier than usual in August and picking rapidly increased as a heat wave in early September caused wine grapes to quickly ripen. The weather cooled in late September and harvest was complete by the end of October with minimal challenges. Yields were lower than previous vintages, but the result was fruit of excellent quality with intensity and depth.
TASTE PROFILE: The Russian River Valley is one of California’s most celebrated sources of world class Pinot Noir. The region is blessed with strong maritime influences, specifically, a cool climate defined by the fog that follows the river valley to blanket the vineyards. Warm days and cool nights encourage distinct varietal characters in the ripening grapes. Early winegrowers planted Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Carignane, to make hearty, simple wines. Since the 1960’s, however, the Russian River Valley has been home to the pioneers of New World Pinot Noir.
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