2016 WAITS-MAST - Pinot Noir
Wentzel Vineyard, Anderson Valley
At a roughly 900 foot elevation near Philo, Roland and Barbara Wentzel’s 10-acre vineyard is organically farmed within an expansive 300+ acre forested property. The particular plot of land that we get our fruit from is called “the clos,” as it is a fenced-in block situated up the hill. The block, made up of Dijon clones, has north-south rows with a north-west orientation, terraced up a steep hillside, so the grapes benefit from the long afternoon sunlight, tempered by cool offshore breezes.
Our Pinot Noir from Wentzel Vineyard always takes on the essence of the large forest in which the vineyard is situated, the site marked by towering conifers and steep hillsides. The organically farmed vineyard is on the western ridge, bringing both late afternoon sun and cool breezes from the ocean. This tempered climate brings out pure red fruit: the 2016 Wentzel shows a medium ruby in the glass, and the nose is packed with intense aromas of red cherry, rhubarb, sage, and a touch of violets. On the medium-weight palate, flavors of baked strawberry, sage, and cedar are balanced on a frame of bright acidity with hints of pink peppercorn all leading to a long finish with a kiss of vanilla crème.
Grill a pork tenderloin and finish with a sage butter sauce and serve with an arugula salad with balsamic and strawberry, and you've got a perfect pairing for this wine.
Suggested Retail Price: $47/bottle (750ml)
Drink now through 2025.
Waits-Mast Family Cellars Vineyard Sources
Mariah Vineyard,
Mendocino Ridge
Oppenlander Vineyard,
Mendocino County
Nash Mill Vineyard, Mendocino Ridge
Wentzel Vineyard, Anderson Valley
Deer Meadows Vineyard,
Anderson Valley
