McIntyre Vineyards is one of a handful of boutique wineries in California that’s really starting to standout for us. Year after year, when we sample their wines, they are consistently of top quality and this time around proved to be no different. McIntyre’s 2011 Chardonnay and 2010 Block 3 Pinot Noir were each runners up in their respective categories for our annual “California Wines of the Year Competition” and all the winery’s submissions earned 90+ scores from our panel. But you don’t have to take our word for it; Steve McIntyre was recently named “Grower of the Year” by the California Association of Winegrape Growers. So clearly, they’re doing something right.

 

Here are the full reviews of their submitted wines.

 

McIntyre Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Monterey County

Price: 25-30

Review:

A bouquet of peaches, passion fruit, pear, and caramel greets the senses. Flavors of tropical fruit, peach, and pear emerge on the palate with suggestions of vanilla. A rich, balanced Chardonnay that’s very approachable and sure to please your dinner guests.

Rating: 91

McIntyre Vineyards 2011 Kimberly Vineyard Merlot

Grape(s): 100% Merlot

Region: Monterey County

Price: 15-20

Review:

Aromas of black cherries, plums, and currants with accents of leather and herbs rise up from a glass. A sip delivers flavors of blackberry, currant, and black cherry that mingle with suggestions of earth and white pepper. A supple Merlot that fans of rich, concentrated reds will enjoy.

Rating: 90

McIntyre Vineyards 2010 Block 3 Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Monterey County

Price: 45-50

Review:

Aromatics of cherries, raspberries, and pomegranate meld with notes of bacon and spice on the nose. The palate offers flavors of raspberry, pomegranate, and cherry that come together with suggestions of white pepper and game. A lively Pinot that offers a nice balance of flavors, fans of light, bright reds will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 91