Waits-Mast Mendocino County Pinot Noir 2022

From the producer: 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.