2010 Masút Vineyard & Winery Estate Vineyard Mendocino Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.63, 700 cases, $40. From a 23-acre hillside vineyard planted in 1997. Whole berry de-stemmed into open top fermenters. Both native and proprietary yeasts were used during the 16-day fermentation. The wine was aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Strong aromas of oakdriven coffee mocha with no fruit contribution. Lovely and pleasing on the palate, featuring perfectly ripe and luscious black cherry fruit, but the fruit is buried in oak-driven flavors of char and coffee mocha. About the same the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Only time will tell if enough of the oak will integrate to allow the fruit to really shine. Good. Source www.masut.com and retail distribution in multiple states. Reviewed February 22, 2012

Winery: Masút Vineyard and Winery
From article: Sips of California Pinot Noir