MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2004 Reviews

It also makes the climate and terroir of the Sonoma Coast interesting for Pinot Noir that's off the beaten track of others in California. MacMurray Ranch is a relatively new winery owned by that bulldozer of a wine company, E&J Gallo. However, before you start raging against the machine, understand that the Russian River Valley winery is the previous home of the late actor Fred MacMurray, operates independently, makes wines in the Burgundian style, and Fred's daughter, Kate, lives and works on site to oversee her family's heritage. And, the Pinots are an appealing value.

The 2004 Sonoma Coast makes a great food wine and warms the spirit with an aromatic nose of ripe dark fruit, spice, and earthiness. A lush black cherry and raspberry-blackberry fruit jam dominates and couples with bits of dried herbs and mushrooms that is topped off with subtle vanilla. It's a ranch-style wine with balanced structure and finesse in the ending, just like a good movie. That's quite a bit different than Fred's 1944 Double Indemnity. And by the way, skip the popcorn and watch it with a bottle of Pinot.