THE STORY
Monterey County is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines – probably more than any other varietals. We produce the most Chardonnay in the US and the best Pinot Noir in the state year over year. Yet, I don’t typically present them in my classes. For my upcoming wine class in Washington DC, I wanted to find the very best Pinot Noir that I could – and still make the class budget. I stumbled onto a sale at the McIntyre Vineyards tasting room in Carmel, allowing me to fit not just any of their Pinot Noirs into my class – but the very special 2016 Block 3! These wines come from Steve McIntyre’s vineyards in the “sweet spot” of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Many thanks Kristen McIntyre for getting me a special price on this wine and to Natasha in the tasting room staff for showing us all these wines and helping us place our order.
My last big post about McIntyre Vineyards was here: Impressive Pinot Noirs from Steve McIntyre Bring SLH to Life! I’ve written about their wines a few times – just type “McIntyre” in the Decanting Monterey search bar. You all know I’m not that big of a Pinot Noir fan, but I will always stop to taste a McIntyre!
ABOUT MCINTYRE VINEYARDS – IN THE “SWEET SPOT” OF THE SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
“Mcintyre Estate Vineyard 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.”
ABOUT THE SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS AVA
“In a relatively short span of time the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA has achieved superstar status. The region boasts 6,000 acres of vines ‑ primarily Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah ‑ planted on terraces below the Santa Lucia mountain range. The region’s climate is shaped by the morning fog and strong winds funneled daily down the Salinas Valley from Monterey Bay to the northwest. SLH enjoys one of the longest and coolest growing seasons in California.”
The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association provides this information about the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA:
“This elevated position exposes vines to morning sunshine and afternoon maritime breezes. Ultimately, this climate results in a long growing season, enabling grapes to achieve maximum varietal potential. Varietals include: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Dominant Soils: Chualar Loam, Arroyo Seco Gravelly Sandy Loam. Min./Max. Elevations: 98 ft. / 2,349 ft.”
You can read more about all the Monterey County AVAs here.
THE WINES
Today I am presenting 4 McIntyre Vineyards wines from this March visit. Winery notes come from the tasting sheet or their website, unless otherwise noted. Because the staff was quite attentive, we had some challenge in taking our own, independent tasting notes, so they are a bit brief today. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ websites.
2018 McIntyre Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $48 (#1288)
Winery Notes: “This wine is an amalgamation of the best blocks, best lots and best barrels from our 80-acre estate. The core comes from our “Old Vine” block. Planted more than four decades ago, this is the oldest planting of Pinot Noir in the SLH AVA. It is own rooted – a rarity in Californian – and trained on a Lyre trellis system. The remainder is a mix of Swan and Dijon clone 777 trellised on a VSP. The crop was thinned to a maximum of three 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.”
Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “Complex aromas of dark cherry, sagebrush, clove and dried mushroom show on the nose of this estate bottling. Sandalwood and light incense spices lead the palate, where polished flavors of dark cherry, rust and clove-dusted mulberry arise.” — Matt Kettmann
My Review: Dark ruby. Dark intense fruit on the nose. Large palate with a dark cherry finish. Some tannin and alcohol on the palate. March 2024
2019 McIntyre Don Van Staaveran Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $50 (#1289)
Winery Notes: “The idea for the Winemaker Series was born out of impatience and age-related urgency! If I’m lucky I’ll get to participate in another 20 to 30 vintages as our vineyards and wines evolve. Collaborating with a diverse set of winemakers and viticulturists provides exciting opportunities to experiment and accelerate our pace of discovery. Each Winemaker brings their own style and experience, just as a great chef or a musician, to the process of producing a life enhancing experience best shared with others” – Steve McIntyre
“Smells of bright, candied cherry fruit. The remarkably pure and crystalline cherry flavours have an aromatic sweetness to them that charms, while excellent acidity keeps the saliva flowing. Boisterous and bright with barely perceptible tannins. This expression of cherry will bring a smile to most drinkers.” Alder Yarrow
Wine Enthusiast – 94 points: “This grower-winemaker collaboration series is off to an exciting start, as this bottling exhibits appealing aromas of black cherry, subtle nutmeg and a light mesquite smoke on the nose. The palate is cohesive in presentation, combining complex sumac and cardamom flavors with a fresh and accessibly ripe cherry core.” Matt Kettmann
My Review: Dark translucent ruby. Juicy and pretty tasty. We liked this wine. March 2024
2016 McIntyre Block 3 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $56 (#1290)
Wine Enthusiast – 92 points: “Roasted cherry and plum meet with turned earth and toasty oak aromas on the nose of this single-block bottling. The palate is wrapped in that savory oak flavor, which complements the dried sage and rich dark-fruit flavors, as strong tannins hold it all in check.” Matt Kettmann
My Review: Dark ruby in color. Delicious nose of dark cherry. Palate is packed with dark, tart fruit like a dark cherry jolly rancher and some sandalwood. We liked this wine. March 2024
2016 McIntyre Estate Old Vine Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $65 (#1291)
Winery Notes: “Every year we have a fresh opportunity to explore the terroir of the Santa Lucia Highlands. In 2016, the vines were balanced, the yields were low, the fruit was ripe and concentrated, and the winemaking process was effortless. This Old Vine Pinot offers plenty of ripe blackberry/cherry aromas and flavors that suggest Sorel mushrooms and black pepper. Polished, textured and expressive.”
My Review: Dark ruby almost purple in the glass apples/port on the nose following over to the palate. March 2024
THE MCINTYRE TASTING ROOM
“Come and enjoy a taste of our wines: Thursday through Sunday 11am-6pm
“Outdoor service has continued and indoor service has resumed for seated tastings. We will continue to offer curbside pick up, social distant retail sales and can assist in other ways virtually. Call 831-626-6268 or click the button below to reserve your spot.
“Enjoy our new outdoor park-let for an afternoon in our family and dog friendly Tasting Studio located in the Crossroads Shopping Center off Hwy 1 and Rio Road. Our knowledgeable staff look forward to serving you!”
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