Review: MacMurray 2016 Pinot Gris and 2015 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
With the “Ranch” dropped from the name, MacMurray — formally MacMurray Family Estates — continues to produce wine with a quality well above its pay grade. Today we look at two iconic bottlings from the winery — pinot gris and pinot noir. Thoughts follow.
2016 MacMurray Pinot Gris Russian River Valley – Classic tropical-meets-melon notes quickly emerge on this wholly pleasant and well-crafted pinot gris, which finds ample intensity thanks to a rounded, moderately creamy body. Aromatic florals on the nose never quite translate to the palate, though the finish finds a whiff of perfume on the fade-out. A- / $17
2015 MacMurray Pinot Noir Russian River Valley – A surprisingly big win for MacMurray, this pinot isn’t a barn-burner in the body department, but it’s got ample balance with lots of burly blackberry notes, a decent tannin profile, and hints of blueberry, some nutmeg, and a kick of licorice candy on the back end. It’s a touch sweet, but the wine still manages to work surprisingly well, and is a nice “by the glass” pickup, particularly at this price. B+ / $40
2015 MacMurray Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
$40
