MacMurray Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir Central Coast 2012

Fred MacMurray, television and movie actor, bought a sprawling ranch in Sonoma County in 1941 where he raised cattle and enjoyed a life away from Hollywood. After his death, the family sold the Russian River Valley property to E. & J. Gallo who turned the ranch into a vineyard. Gallo established MacMurray Estates Vineyards as one of its many wine brands, specializing in Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grown on the ranch as well as other locations. The wines are actually made in Gallo-owned wineries elsewhere in California.

The MacMurray Central Coast Pinot Noir is made primarily from grapes grown in the Gallo owned Olson Ranch Vineyard. This vineyard is 599 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Monterey County on the east edge of the Santa Lucia Range.

I found this pinot noir to have a bright cherry and pomegranate flavor with a finish of mild oak. For me, it is the ideal blend of flavor, alcohol (14.8%) and oak that I can drink with or without food. I enjoyed this wine better than any pinot I have had in the past year. On my last trip to Costco, I found it for $12.99. It is also available at Total Wine for $13.99 which could be less if you have a coupon.

SC Wine Joe rating = 89 points.

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