Waits Mast 2018 Pinot Noir Mariah Vineyard Mendocino Ridge 95 Points

WS 95 POINTS: “Quite flavorful and nicely structured, this well-concentrated wine grown at 2,300 feet in elevation is worth keeping to enjoy how it develops over time. Engaging raspberry, red cherry, and redwood aromas are followed by mouth-filling, ripe black fruit flavors on a full body braced by moderate, fine-grained tannins. Best from 2026”

Vineyard: “Set high above Anderson Valley at 2300′ elevation, Mariah Vineyard is in the Mendocino Ridge appellation. Above the fog layer, Mariah sees more sunlight throughout the day and nights tend to be warmer than down in the Valley. The combination of this high elevation and sustainable, dry-farming practices make this wine truly expressive of mountain fruit.

Winemaker’s tasting notes: The 2018 Mariah shows a density not typical of the vineyard in other vintages. Dark and brooding on the nose, even the color is more intense. Dark cherry, cola nut, and clove are layered on a medium-bodied frame with fine-grained tannins. This wine positively sings right out of the bottle but is sure to continue to develop over the next 5-7 years. Pair with anything with mushrooms from a chanterelle risotto to a porcini-crusted steak.”