2009 Waits-Mast Pinot Noir, Oppenlander Vineyard, Mendocino County

Oppenlander Vineyard is well off the beaten path in Mendocino County outside of the town of Comptche. It’s about eight and a half miles from the Pacific Ocean as the crow flies at an elevation of 250 feet. Oppenlander is owned by the Shandel family, 5th generation owners of the property, and was originally homesteaded in the 1860s by their ancestors from Denmark (via the Gold Rush in Australia). The vineyard sees consistently cool temperatures across the growing season and is harvested later than other regions. This cooler temperature range and coastal proximity can deliver a certain “oceanic acidity,” lending structure and complexity to the wine.

The most striking observation about the 2009 Oppenlander Pinot Noir is its color – a vibrant violet-red color that has been visible from crush all the way through to the bottle. On the nose, dried lavender mixes with mushroom and earth tones for subtle aromatics. On the palate, tart cherry and raspberry are wrapped in a taut package that shows a lot of balance. Definitely one for aging and well-suited for pairing with your favorite pinot-friendly meal.

Recent reviews: 89 pts, Wine Enthusiast (12/31/11): "The 2009 vintage for Mendocino Pinot Noir is considered a standout. This Waits-Mast Pinot shows a deftness with cool-climate fruit, for this is definitely a bright, classic, more restrained version of California Pinot. The wine has a delightful, deep red cherry note enveloping it and all the earthy mushroom one comes to expect from Mendocino. Very drinkable now with room to grow in the bottle a few more years."