This wine does indeed come from the ranch that Fred MacMurray bought as a retreat from his Hollywood duties as television's most famous father of three ("My Three Sons") and the silver screen's most famous disgruntled insurance salesman ("Double Indemnity"). The Pinot Noir produced here is some of the state's best, good enough to attract the attention of the Gallos, who recently bought the property from MacMurray's daughter. Ripe, shapely and plush, with bing cherry and sandlewood aromas and flavors.

This is a classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, with concentrated fruit flavors of savory red and black fruits. Deep black cherry notes are complimented by subtle oak to add richness and depth to the finish. This is an earthy wine with nuances of clove spice, and mushroom that will pair well with rack of lamb, grilled salmon and Shitake mushroom risotto.

On the positive side of its ledger, this well-focused wine counts moderately deep, ripe-cherry fruit, ample oak and an interesting bit of dusty earthy spice. Its considerable assets are countered by a...

Rating for United States-California: 87 (average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: unpredictable<br/>

Great value for a very good Pinot