Our 2022 Mendocino County Pinot Noir bottling brings together two different single vineyard wines, Filigreen Farm and Oppenlander. Filigreen Farm lies in the Valley, just west of Boonville and sees large diurnal shifts throughout the summer as fog rolls in to cool down the hot valley. Oppenlander brings a coastal minerality and extended hang time due to its northwest location outside the valley and closer to the Mendocino coast. Shalini, Jennifer and Brian had a great time trying different combinations of barrels to see which blend would result in a vibrant and showy wine.
Tasting Notes: This wine is like a walk through the red fruit section of a farmers' market set on a coastal bluff. Bright ruby in the glass, the 2022 Mendocino County Pinot Noir shows generous aromas of macerated cherries and strawberries with intermittent waves of fresh coastal sage and a glimmer of wet stone. Spices of star anise and clove are complimented by a touch of vanilla creme brioche and grilled meat. Aged in all neutral French oak, this wine opens up early and shows its complex layers that make it enjoyable sipping on its own or paired with a truffled pasta carbonara.
Reviews:
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast (Feb/Mar 2025): "This wine is lively, with aromas of cranberry, youthful strawberry, dried potpourri, coriander and bay laurel on the nose. Flavors on the palate are rhubarb-pomegranate, allspice and star anise, layered with pink grapefruit zest, mineral and a supple, juicy finish. Hold or drink until 2034. Pair with grilled salmon in orange-butter sauce —T.P."
93 Points, Decanter (December, 2024): "In the right hands, Pinot Noir from Mendocino County produces utterly gorgeous, easy-drinking, bright, energetic, typically lower in alcohol, and fantastically food-friendly. The 2022 Waits-Mast Pinot from Mendocino is no exception. Its light cherry-red colour belies the intensity of dark cherry flavours, brown spices, clove, and blood orange acidity that fill the senses. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, it reveals notes of rich loamy earth, black tea, and black truffle on the long, mineral-driven finish."
