2018 WAITS-MAST - Pinot Noir
Mariah Vineyard, Mendocino Ridge
Mariah Vineyard is set in Mendocino Ridge, a remote and higher elevation appellation that is sort of the wild west of Pinot Noir growing in Mendocino County. While the area of the AVA is over 250,000 acres, the only suitable land for grape-growing is above 1,200 feet elevation and currently about 75 or so acres are currently planted to wine grapes.
In the 1970s, Dan Dooling and Vicki Tomola purchased land at 2,400 feet elevation above Point Arena and planted Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Syrah, then later Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir block that we source from at Mariah comes from two different clones, Dijon 667 and Pommard, planted to Syrah rootstock (1103 Paulson) in a combination of Hugo and Josephine loams over a well drained Sandstone fractured Shale subsoil. The vines run east west with 10-foot rows and 7 foot vine spacing, with quadrilateral cordon training and is dry-farmed - a particularly beneficial trait during a challenging drought year
The 2018 Mariah, harvested on September 25, 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.
95 Points, Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast (Aug/Sept 2022)
Suggested Retail Price: $47/bottle (750ml)
Drink now through 2028
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
