McIlroy

Sort By:

McIlroy 2000 Aquarius Ranch Late Harvest Gewürztraminer (Russian River Valley)

Best Buy

Price $13

Pretty decadent stuff here. Bursting with sweet apricot and spice flavors, and 0.8% residual sugar makes it taste decidedly sweet. There’s an oily, unguent texture—you can see the glycerin lines stain the side of the glass. It could use a little more acidity. —S.H. — S.H. (9/1/2002)

points

McIlroy 1998 Porter-Bass Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

Price $18

Very good, not great Zinfandel. Makes all the right moves, with spicy, peppery berry fruit, dry, thick tannins, good acidity and a nice roundness from oak that does not overpower. Offers plenty of pleasure, and finishes with a bite of acidity. Could use more depth, though. — S.H. (11/1/2002)

points

McIlroy 2000 Aquarius Ranch Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)

Price $21

Textbook RRV Chard reveals green apple and intense spice, white peach and honey flavors, generously wrapped in smoky oak. Has a real richness and creaminess to the texture. Finishes too sugary, but has a lip-smacking quality many will admire. —S.H. — S.H. (9/1/2002)

points

McIlroy 1999 Aquarius Ranch Merlot (Russian River Valley)

Price $21

A wine that elicits mixed feelings. On the plus side, subtle fruit and oak, with a rich earthiness and sleek tannins. Does a good job of keeping Merlot fat and plump, while maintaining an herbal character. On the other hand, there’s pronounced acidity and a sharpness that shows up on the finish. Doesn’t seem likely to age well, but you never know. —S.H. — S.H. (9/1/2002)

points

McIlroy 1999 Aquarius Ranch Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Price $24

Bone dry and light, with cranberry, cola and tomato flavors in a silky package. This is a wine that seems to be an expression of its vineyard. It’s not a rich wine, nor one to age beyond a year or so. But it possesses an earthy honesty. —S.H. — S.H. (9/1/2002)

points

McIlroy 1999 Salzgeber Vineyard Cabernet Franc (Russian River Valley)

Price $24

Rare are the places that Cabernet Franc produces a distinctive wine. In fact, no savory Russian River Valley examples come to mind. This wine suggests the difficulties. Very tannic and raw, highly acidic, and although it’s dark in color, lacking fruity extract. Nor is it a wine to age. It’s barren now, and not going anywhere. —S.H. — S.H. (9/1/2002)

Most Reviewed Designations

Aquarius Ranch Aquarius Ranch Late Harvest Porter-Bass Vineyard Salzgeber Vineyard

Most Reviewed Varietals

Cabernet Franc Chardonnay Gewürztraminer Merlot Pinot Noir Zinfandel

2009 Russian River Vineyards Estate Grown

Rich flavors of cherries, persimmons, cola, anise and oak flood the…

(Sponsored)