Product Description
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McIntyre Family Wines, Estate Vineyard, Pinot Noir, 2023, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, California, America
Producer Profile
McIntyre Family Wines lies in the “sweet spot” of Monterey County’s Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Originally planted in 1973, the 80-acre site (60 acres planted) boasts some of the Highlands’ oldest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines.
Proprietor Steve McIntyre is one of the most knowledgeable viticulturists in California. As owner/operator of Monterey Pacific, he farms 16,000 acres in Monterey County.
The McIntyre Estate Vineyard was among the first properties in the Santa Lucia Highlands to be SIP (Sustainability In Practice) Certified, using numerous holistic regenerative practices including carbon sequestration with Biochar produced by slow pyrolysis.
Viticulture
While it is never easy to account for Mother Nature’s unpredictability, the 2023 Estate Pinot Noir owes much of its success to superior terroir and diligent, sustainable farming practices. The wine is a mix of Swan, Calera (clone 91) and clone 928 trellised on a VSP. The crop was thinned to a maximum of 3 tons per acre or 1.5 lbs. of fruit per foot of cordon. Row orientation is primarily north/south, which provides even sun exposure throughout the day.
Winemaking
At McIntyre winemaking techniques are minimalistic. Their philosophy of “thoughtful but limited intervention” guarantees that the character and complexity of the fruit is highlighted in all their wines. The grapes for this Pinot were harvested and hand-sorted in the early morning hours. Primary and malolactic fermentations were managed naturally using the wild, indigenous yeast strains that thrive in the vineyards.
Tasting Note
“Our 2032 McIntyre Estate Pinot Noir has more presence and density than its predecessors. It features a wealth of plum, black cheery, bay laurel followed by fine- grained, mouth-watering tannins and a savoury finish. This Pinot Noir is deft, balanced and precise!” – Steve McIntyre
Goes well with
McIntyre Family Wines Estate Pinot Noir features lush plum, dark berry, and savoury earth notes. Pair this deft, balanced wine with rich, earthy, or lightly browned dishes like wild mushroom risotto, herb-marinated roasted lamb chops, or crispy roast duck.
Cellaring
You can cellar the 2023 McIntyre Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir for 5 to 10 years from vintage.
Don’t just take our word for it…
“Pomegranate, rose extract and juicy cherry aromas align on the nose of this estate bottling. There’s a pleasurable depth to the palate, which rolls from tart cherry into loamy soil and clipped sagebrush flavours.” 93 POINTS — Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
“Pops of taut black fruit, with only 8months in 25% new French oak barrels, it hits with early season blackberries, mint leaves, pomegranate pulp and black cherries. Ocean air lifts this wine to its finish.” 93 POINTS – Clive Pursehouse, Decanter, February 2026
Features
Varieties: Pinot Noir 100%
Colour: Red
ABV: 14%
Closure: Natural Cork
Style: Still
Case Size: 12 x 75cl
Country: America
Region: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, California
Vintage: 2023
