2022 McPrice Myers Beautiful Earth
As founder and winemaker of his eponymous winery, McPrice “Mac” Myers makes serious wines with depth and grace. His winemaking philosophy mirrors his approach to life: Dream big. Work hard. Have fun while making great things happen.
Mac was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California. He earned a baseball scholarship to Rio Hondo College in Whittier, and around that time landed a job at a Southern California Trader Joe’s. This is where he developed an appreciation for food and wine – and Rhône wines, in particular.
These days, this tenacious, self-taught winemaker quietly crafts some of Paso Robles’ most lauded releases. He is considered the region’s undiscovered genius, but don’t let that superlative fool you; Mac is known for his low-key demeanor. As his wines rival those made by Domaine du Pégaü, Mac has earned the title of arm-wrestling champ of Châteauneuf-du-Pape on a Hospice du Rhône trip – all while sporting his signature style in Dickies-brand workwear.
Mac is a humble individual backed by an amazing winery team. Together, they’re strengthening Paso’s reputation as a world-class wine region. Mac crafted the first McPrice Myers wine in 2002, creating a Syrah with Ballard Canyon grapes from Santa Barbara’s legendary Larner Vineyard. A 2003 Grenache from Alta Mesa Vineyard followed. His 2004 Syrah came from Laetitia Vineyards in Arroyo Grande.
In those early years, Mac worked out of Central Coast Wine Services in Santa Maria. There, he tapped into collective insight and connected with future industry greats, such as Paul Lato (Paul Lato Wines) and the late Seth Kunin (Kunin Wines). Mac and Russell From, who later launched Herman Story Wines, introduced their Barrel 27 brand in 2003.
Mac made his first Paso Robles wine in 2005, establishing McPrice Myers’ Beautiful Earth series with a Terra Bella Vineyard Syrah. The region’s prime Rhône-style terroir, tight-knit wine community, and vanguard spirit resonated with Mac, and he decided to stay. He arrived as several now-iconic winemakers were also growing their brands. Locals consider this the golden age of Paso wine’s modern era, and Mac came up with the likes of Cris Cherry (Villa Creek), Eric Jensen (Booker), Justin Smith (Saxum), Scott Hawley (Torrin), and others.
In 2014, Mac moved to the current McPrice Myers site in the hills of the Adelaida District. A 2015 tasting room visit sparked the next chapter in the McPrice Myers story.
Venus Lai first sampled Mac’s wines on a chilly December day. Dazzled by their depth and sophistication, she immediately joined the wine club. Two years later, the accomplished scientist and fermentation expert went from club member to co-owner. Mac and Venus partnered to purchase the winery’s 84-acre Adelaida District property, including its first-class production facilities and 20 acres of vineyards influenced by rich soils, desert-like heat, and cool Pacific breezes.
Sustainability has been an integral part of their process. Their tasting room and winery run on 100% solar energy, and they ensure healthy soils by avoiding pesticides and minimizing tilling, allowing microbial life to thrive. They are thoughtful with their water in an area where water is scarce; their vines only receive water when absolutely necessary, utilizing deficit irrigation strategies and efficient drip systems.
Along with the team running the winery, they also employ a host of wildlife throughout the vineyard. Ladybugs are released to help manage the pesky bugs known for snacking on the vines. Raptor boxes throughout the property invite birds of prey to keep the rodent population low. Bobcats roam the land, keeping smaller problem critters at bay. And Grayby, the “eternally charming feral cat,” manages the mouse population and brings joy to workers and guests alike.
If you're looking for an intriguing white wine alternative, this Rhône-inspired blend from Paso Robles is sure to catch your attention. This white blend is 70% Clairette Blanche and 30% Grenache Blanc. Clairette Blanche is a classic Northern Rhône variety, but often takes a back seat to Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc. In this bottling, it comprises 70% of the blend and reveals the grape’s true potential. Refreshing and lively, it expresses lemon, peach, flowers, and minerals. Its companion Grenache Blanc lends richness and a mouth-filling texture. This is a wine we recommend if you're looking to pivot from Chardonnay, but you also want a bit more weight and complexity than Sauvignon Blanc.
Cheers to McPrice Myers for creating a wonderful New World expression of white Rhône! We’re delighted to share it with you, and we invite you to take a bottle home and experience a taste of Paso Robles with the spirit of the Rhône Valley!
Source: https://www.mcpricemyers.com/