97pts Jeb Dunnuck

A darker ruby color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Maclean's Block reveals a deeper aromatic profile, with notes of cherry cordial, mossy earth, pressed flowers, sage, and dark stones. The palate is light on its feet but has a more expansive and velvety, even texture, and while it’s more savory and deep, it has a lovely floating feel. It’s long on the palate and is going to be worth checking in on over the next 15 or so years.

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.

About the Wine

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.