Dec 30, 2022
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Masút Vineyard and Winery
| Owner(s) | Ben Fetzer, Jake Fetzer |
| Web site | www.masut.com |
| Link to this site |
Ben and Jake Fetzer are the sons of Bobby Fetzer, whose family farmed over 3,000 acres of certified organic Fetzer Vineyards in the Redwood Valley region of Mendocino County (Fetzer Vineyards was sold in 1992). The brothers started their own project, Masút Vineyard and Winery which was launched in 2009 with the assistance of their mother, focusing on estate grown Pinot Noir from their certified organic Masùt Vineyard on a ranch west of Redwood Valley (a petition for a new AVA, "Eagle Peak, Mendocino County," was co-drafted by Masút Vineyard and approved in late 2014) . The winery is dedicated to their father, Bobby Fetzer, who passed away in a river rafting accident in 2006.
The Masút Vineyard is 23 acres located on a hillside planted in 1997 to about 25 acres of Pinot Noir - three Dijon clones (113, 115, 777) and UCD 23 (Mariafeld) - and 8 acres of Sangiovese The site was chosen as a prime location for Pinot Noir by Bobby Fetzer and his sons cleared the land and planted the vineyard. Masút is a former Pomo Indian word meaning "dark, rich earth." Initially, grapes were sold to DeLoach and Paul Hobbs. The inaugural bottling of Masút Pinot Noir was produced from the 2009 vintage with the assistance of winemaker Greg La Follette who helped the Fetzer brothers get Masút off the ground (a 2008 vintage Pinot Noir was produced but tainted by smoke from the wildfires in the area that growing season).
Private tours and tasting are available by appointment. The Masút Pinot Noir is available through the winery's online store. Ultimately, the brothers hope to build the Masút brand to 3,000 cases and release a series of bottlings that highlight specific blocks and clones within the vineyard.
Articles About Masút Vineyard and Winery
2018 California Value Priced Pinot Noir All-Americans (11.36 12/29/2018)
Adventures on the Pinot Trail: World of Pinot Noir: The Tastings (9.39 3/29/2014)
Blast from 2011 World of Pinot Noir (8.33 3/12/2011)
California Pinot Noir Worth Toasting (11.20 3/15/2018)
Many Exceptional Pinot Noirs Reviewed (10.28 4/2/2016)
Masút Vineyard & Winery: Carrying the Flag for Eagle Peak AVA Pinot Noir (12.14 2/7/2021)
More Sips of Pinot Noir (8.35 4/11/2011)
Pinot Briefs (10.7 4/6/2015)
Quick Trigger: Are Reviews Done Too Soon? (11.18 2/3/2018)
Recent Sips of Pinot Noir & A Few Whites (10.7 4/6/2015)
Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.32 10/12/2018)
Second Generation Pinot Noir Winemakers Carve Out Their Own Success: Masút & Coattails (9.19 2/3/2013)
Sips of California Pinot Noir (9.3 2/22/2012)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines (11.3 5/6/2017)
Sips of Recently Tasted Wines (9.37 2/4/2014)
Reviewed Wines
2018 Rural Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $ 29.99 (often discounted significantly).
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose arrives over time in the glass revealing aromas of dark cherry,
rose petal, and spice. The mid-weight plus charge of black cherry and boysenberry fruit is well-ripened and
framed by noticeable but not imposing tannins. A good cut of acidity invests the modest, but satisfying finish.
Better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 7, 2021
ARTICLE »
2018 Rural Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $29.99 (often discounted significantly).
·
Moderately light garnet in the glass. The nose opens slowly to reveal pleasant aromas of Bing cherry, dirty rose
and earthy flora. Middleweight in style, with and bright and juicy core of black cherry, raspberry and blueberry
fruit flavors backed by crisp acidity. Integrated oak with a restrained tannic grip and a cherry-fueled finish of
some length. Ideal for current, easy drinking.
Score: 89.
Reviewed February 7, 2021
ARTICLE »
2018 Masút Vineyard & Winery Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc.,
$38. The composition is 60% 115, 12% 113, 12% 777, 12% Masút and 4% Mariafeld. Yield 2.9 tons per acre.
Aged 12 months sur lie in French oak barrels, 32% new. Unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass.
Alluring aromas of black cherry, blackberry and sweet oak. Full-bodied and packed with a rush of blueberrypomegranate
and cassis fruit flavors yet not jammy. Well-integrated tannins and acidity with some viscosity and
modest sweet oak plying the background. A big boy, mature-fruited wine (less ripe than the 2017 bottling) that
shines the day after bottle opening.
Score: 92.
Reviewed February 7, 2021
ARTICLE »
2018 Masút Vineyard & Winery Big Barrel Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $65.
100% clone 115. Yield 3 tons per acre. Aged 15 months ur lie in
100% new French oak puncheon. Unfiltered.
·
Moderate garnet
color in the glass. Initially the nose offered aromas of toast, ash
and crusty bread. The following day, the nose had opened to
reveal aromas of black cherry, spice and earth tones. A
charming wine in a mid-weight style with husky fruit flavors of
black cherry and black raspberry with a hint of vanilla and spice.
The silky mouthfeel is particularly alluring and the generous
finish is outrageous. The fruit really sings and the finish is
significantly longer than the same year Estate Vineyard bottling.
Score: 93.
Reviewed February 7, 2021
ARTICLE »
2017 Masút Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Chardonnay
14.0% alc.,
pH 3.34, TA 0.61, 219 cases, $35. Inaugural
release. Dry farmed Wente clone (50%) and
Dijon 96 clone (50%). Vines planted in 2014 at
1500 feet elevation at the headwaters of the
Russian River Valley. Aged 10 months on the
lees in neutral French oak barrels.
·
Light golden yellow color in the
glass. Lovely, bright aromas of fresh lemon, Golden Delicious apple,
pineapple and guava. Sheer beauty of flavor in a luscious style with
layers of citrus, golden apple and tropical fruits. Slightly viscous in the
mouth with gracious acidity and a showy, succulent finish. A fashionable,
Caliesque style that wows.
Score: 94.
Reviewed October 12, 2018
ARTICLE »
2017 Masút Vineyard & Winery Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc.,
$38. Composition is 67% 115, 15% 113, 10% Mt. Eden, and 8% 777. Yield 2.5 tons per acre. Aged 11 months
sur lie in French oak barrels, 23% new. Unfiltered. Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas
of darker berries, baking spices and burnt tobacco
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas
of darker berries, baking spices and burnt tobacco lead to a very ripe-flavored fruit profile on the palate
including prune. The fine-grain tannins are well-proportioned and the finish is long and well-fruited. This wine is
packed with ripe sap that seems to have been harvested on the cusp of “surmaturité.”
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 7, 2021
ARTICLE »
2016 Masút Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.60, 3,100
cases, $40. Clones are 115 (50%), 777, 113, Mt. Eden and
Masút. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 6-day cold soak, 10-day
ferment, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 32% new.
·
Gorgeous moderately dark garnet color in the glass.
Irresistable aromas of boysenberry, blueberry-pomegranate,
black grape juice, spice and forestry. A stunning wine in the mouth with
a terrific attack, length and finish. The mid weight flavors of juicy purple
and black berries seem to melt in the mouth. The sap is framed by a
deft touch of oak and the velvety mouth feel is a turn on. This wine is
great from the time you pull the cork and still great when tasted later in
the day. This is the most exceptional wine from this producer I have
tasted to date. I felt in the past that the Masút wines often leaned too much on oak, but this wine has none of
that. You can feel the Fetzer boys’ passion in this Pinot.
Score: 96.
Reviewed March 17, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Masùt Vineyard and Winery Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.60, 1,500 cases, $45. Eagle Peak is a recently recognized AVA marked by
coastal afternoon breezes, many microclimates, and elevations ranging from 800 to 3,000 feet.
Vineyard planted in 1997 in the shadows of Eagle Peak.Blocks 5, 6, 7, 12, and 13. 81% 115 and 19%
777. Yield 2.1 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak in stainless open-top tanks. Aged 12
months on the lees in French oak barrels, 50% new and bottled unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark garnet
color in the glass. Nicely appointed aromas of black pie cherries, rose petal, and timber. Blackberry,
black raspberry and black grape fruits are luscious and perfectly ripened, composed in a mid weight style with
added back notes of licorice, conifer and toasty oak. Both savory and fruity, with a seductively satiny mouthfeel,
and a deep black cherry infused finish. A distinctive wine with plenty of character that reveals itself nicely now,
but will improve in the cellar. Congratulations to the Fetzer boys on one of the best wines yet from Masùt.
Score: 94.
Reviewed May 7, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Masút Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino Pinot Noir
21 months
·
An assortment of well-ripened,
even slightly stewed dark fruit aromas with hints of dusty earth and floral bouquet. Mid weight flavors of
blackberry, black raspberry, pomegranate and black tea in harmony with well-structured tannins. Previously 93
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 4, 2018
ARTICLE »
2014 Masút Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., 1,800 cases, $45. Clones 115 (50%), 23 (33%) and
777 (17%). Yields 2.9 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed, fermented in
small open-top fermenters. Aged 15 months on lees in 100% French oak
barrels, 50% new. Unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the
glass. Elevating aromas of dark raspberries, blueberries and blackberries
lead to an intensely fruited and gutsy wine featuring a mid weight plus
core of blackberry fruit. The large fruit load is nicely tethered by tannins
and the overall impression is one of finesse rather than muscle. When
tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle,
the nose had blossomed with ingratiating aromas of fresh black
raspberry preserves, and the finish stood out for its generous intensity of
purpose.
Score: 93.
Reviewed April 2, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Masút Vineyards & Winery Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.9% alc.,
1,500 cases, $40. Higher alcohol do to a heat spike in September. 94% clone 115 and 6% clone 23. Whole
berry de-stemmed into open-top fermenters for a 16 to 20-day fermentation. Aged 15 months sur lie in 100%
French oak barrels, 50% new. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely
perfume of black cherries and cedary oak. Intense attack of mid weight black raspberry, ollaliberry and
blackest cherry fruits back by a subtle tug of oak. Incredibly gorgeous fruit back by firm tannins that are tucked
in. Soft and smooth in the mouth, finishing with impressive drive and length.
Score: 92.
Reviewed April 6, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Masút Vineyards & Winery Two Barrel Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
15.1% alc., 50 cases, $60. Favorite two barrels of
the vintage. 100% clone 115. Whole berry de-stemmed into open-top
fermenters for a 20-day fermentation. Aged 15 months in 100% new
French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderate reddish purple
color in the glass. Hi-tone aromas of fruit basket, spice and bramble. On
entry, the charge of blackest cherry, blackberry, and black raspberry is
delicious. Bombastic, but still nimble and balanced with well-integrated
fruit tannins, and a huge finish that takes intensity up a notch. More
brooding than the Estate bottling at this stage, but exhibiting more
potential.
Score: 93.
Reviewed April 5, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Masút Estate Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc.,
2,450 cases, $40. From brothers Jake and Ben Fetzer. 22.6-acre vineyard
planted in 1997 at the headwaters of the Russian River Valley. Dijon clones 115
(73%), 777 (18%) and 113 (9%). 100% de-stemmed, 14-18 day fermentation,
aged sur lie for 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels.
·
Medium reddish
purple hue in the glass. Highly aromatic with black cherry and black plum
scents accented by oak-driven toast and spice. Very smooth and seductive on
the palate, with a middleweight core of vigorous black cherry, black raspberry
coulis and cola flavors singing in cadence with thick oak notes. The fruit is
beautifully ripened and rich on the mid palate, finishing with a generous
presence. Tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine still had a
significant oak overlay. I would cellar this wine for a year or two to integrate the oak.
Score: 90.
Reviewed February 4, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Masút Estate Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.3%
alc., 1,041 cases, $40. Low yields, about 2.5 tons per acre. Native and
selected yeast fermentations. Aged 11 months in 35% new French oak
barrels from several coopers. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with
aromas of black cherries, dark raspberries and a hint of toasty brioche.
Very fruity and fragrant. Mid weight flavors of black cherries and
raspberries with a touch of spice and a subtle earthy, savory note. Good energy,
with mild tannins, bright acidity, and a raspberry-infused finish that slips off the
back of the tongue with a lasting impression. Terrific!
Reviewed February 4, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Masút Estate Vineyard Block 1 Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 115 cases, $55. From a 1.86-acre block of 1690 vines of
clone 115 planted in 1997 on 104-14 rootstock. Aged 11 months in
100% new Cadus French oak.
·
Moderately light reddish-purple color in
the glass. Aromas of earthy dark red fruits with a touch of red rose floral
scent in the background. Impressive attack of mouth coating, silky and
well-spiced cherry fruit complimented by perfect oak integration and
supple tannins. A dreamy wine of great flavor that displays impeccable balance.
Clone 115 is one of the few Dijon clones that can make a great stand-alone wine.
Reviewed February 4, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Masút Estate Vineyard Block 11 Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 115 cases, $55. From a
1.75-acre block of 1,590 vines planted to clone 113 in 1997. Aged 11 months in 100% new Cadus French oak.
113 is seldom bottled as a stand-alone clone so this wine is unique.
·
Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass.
Inviting nose, but brooding and needs time to open in the glass. Aromas of cherry pie glaze, mixed berry
preservers, brioche, mocha and spice. Appealing flavors of dark red cherries, cranberries and raspberries with
a savory, spicy underpinning. Crisp and juicy, with soft tannins. I like this wine but it does not have the mid
palate impact or finish of the other block-designate Estate Vineyard Pinot Noirs. Good (+).
Reviewed February 4, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Masút Estate Vineyard Block 13 Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 115 cases, $55. From a
1.15-acre block of 1,041 clone 777 vines planted on 101-14 rootstock in 2003. Aged 11 months in 100% new
Cadus French oak.
·
Medium purple color in the glass. Muted nose that arrives over time with scents of dark
berries, black cherry, black currant and dark chocolate. Fresh, with impressive fruit presence on the palate,
softly textured, finishing with good power. The most sap and tannin of the block-designated wines but retains a
velvety mouth feel and appealing drink ability. Very good.
Reviewed February 4, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Masút Estate Vineyard Block 7 Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 115 cases, $55. Clone 115
planted in 1997 on 101-101 rootstock. 1.56 acres and 1,417 vines. Aged 11 months in 100% new Cadus
French oak.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Veers to the darker side of fruit with more plum and a
touch of herbs and oak. Mid weight flavors of black plum sauce and dark berries with a hint of spice and tea
leaf, supported by mild tannins, and finishing with some notable fruit presence. Seems a bit closed now and
should benefit from more time in bottle. Very good.
Reviewed February 4, 2013
ARTICLE »
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
ARTICLE »
2009 Masút Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.54, 700 cases, $40. Inaugural vintage. Aged 10
months in 55% new French oak barrels.
·
A stunning wine with alluring aromas of cherry pie and baking spices.
Silky on the palate, with medium range flavors of red stone fruits wrapped in fine-grain tannins and bright
acidity. Very approachable now. One of my favorites at WOPN. Very good (+).
Reviewed March 12, 2011
ARTICLE »
2009 Masút Vineyard & Winery Mendocino Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.54,
TA 0.06, $40. A discovery this year at the World of Pinot Noir. Brothers Ben and
Jake Fetzer produce an estate-grown Pinot Noir dedicated to the legacy of their
father, Bobby Fetzer, a well-known and respected winegrower. The Masút
Vineyard is certified organic and is located in the Redwood Valley at the
headwaters of the Russian River. Clones are 777, 115 and 113. Aged in 55%
new French oak barrels.
·
This is a wine of character with black cherry as its
central theme. The fruit is fresh and bright, accented by a savory herb flavor,
and displaying some oak-driven spice and mocha notes. Admirable finesse, with
a long, juicy finish. Much better the next day from a previously opened and recorked
bottle. Will benefit from more time in the bottle to further integrate the oak. Very good.
Reviewed April 11, 2011
ARTICLE »
2018 Rural Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $ 29.99 (often discounted significantly). · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose arrives over time in the glass revealing aromas of dark cherry, rose petal, and spice. The mid-weight plus charge of black cherry and boysenberry fruit is well-ripened and framed by noticeable but not imposing tannins. A good cut of acidity invests the modest, but satisfying finish. Better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed February 7, 2021 ARTICLE »
2018 Rural Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $29.99 (often discounted significantly). · Moderately light garnet in the glass. The nose opens slowly to reveal pleasant aromas of Bing cherry, dirty rose and earthy flora. Middleweight in style, with and bright and juicy core of black cherry, raspberry and blueberry fruit flavors backed by crisp acidity. Integrated oak with a restrained tannic grip and a cherry-fueled finish of some length. Ideal for current, easy drinking. Score: 89. Reviewed February 7, 2021 ARTICLE »
2018 Masút Vineyard & Winery Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $38. The composition is 60% 115, 12% 113, 12% 777, 12% Masút and 4% Mariafeld. Yield 2.9 tons per acre. Aged 12 months sur lie in French oak barrels, 32% new. Unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Alluring aromas of black cherry, blackberry and sweet oak. Full-bodied and packed with a rush of blueberrypomegranate and cassis fruit flavors yet not jammy. Well-integrated tannins and acidity with some viscosity and modest sweet oak plying the background. A big boy, mature-fruited wine (less ripe than the 2017 bottling) that shines the day after bottle opening. Score: 92. Reviewed February 7, 2021 ARTICLE »
2018 Masút Vineyard & Winery Big Barrel Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $65. 100% clone 115. Yield 3 tons per acre. Aged 15 months ur lie in 100% new French oak puncheon. Unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Initially the nose offered aromas of toast, ash and crusty bread. The following day, the nose had opened to reveal aromas of black cherry, spice and earth tones. A charming wine in a mid-weight style with husky fruit flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with a hint of vanilla and spice. The silky mouthfeel is particularly alluring and the generous finish is outrageous. The fruit really sings and the finish is significantly longer than the same year Estate Vineyard bottling. Score: 93. Reviewed February 7, 2021 ARTICLE »
2017 Masút Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Chardonnay
14.0% alc., pH 3.34, TA 0.61, 219 cases, $35. Inaugural release. Dry farmed Wente clone (50%) and Dijon 96 clone (50%). Vines planted in 2014 at 1500 feet elevation at the headwaters of the Russian River Valley. Aged 10 months on the lees in neutral French oak barrels. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Lovely, bright aromas of fresh lemon, Golden Delicious apple, pineapple and guava. Sheer beauty of flavor in a luscious style with layers of citrus, golden apple and tropical fruits. Slightly viscous in the mouth with gracious acidity and a showy, succulent finish. A fashionable, Caliesque style that wows. Score: 94. Reviewed October 12, 2018 ARTICLE »
2017 Masút Vineyard & Winery Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $38. Composition is 67% 115, 15% 113, 10% Mt. Eden, and 8% 777. Yield 2.5 tons per acre. Aged 11 months sur lie in French oak barrels, 23% new. Unfiltered. Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of darker berries, baking spices and burnt tobacco · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of darker berries, baking spices and burnt tobacco lead to a very ripe-flavored fruit profile on the palate including prune. The fine-grain tannins are well-proportioned and the finish is long and well-fruited. This wine is packed with ripe sap that seems to have been harvested on the cusp of “surmaturité.” Score: 90. Reviewed February 7, 2021 ARTICLE »
2016 Masút Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.60, 3,100 cases, $40. Clones are 115 (50%), 777, 113, Mt. Eden and Masút. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 6-day cold soak, 10-day ferment, aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 32% new. · Gorgeous moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Irresistable aromas of boysenberry, blueberry-pomegranate, black grape juice, spice and forestry. A stunning wine in the mouth with a terrific attack, length and finish. The mid weight flavors of juicy purple and black berries seem to melt in the mouth. The sap is framed by a deft touch of oak and the velvety mouth feel is a turn on. This wine is great from the time you pull the cork and still great when tasted later in the day. This is the most exceptional wine from this producer I have tasted to date. I felt in the past that the Masút wines often leaned too much on oak, but this wine has none of that. You can feel the Fetzer boys’ passion in this Pinot. Score: 96. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Masùt Vineyard and Winery Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.60, 1,500 cases, $45. Eagle Peak is a recently recognized AVA marked by coastal afternoon breezes, many microclimates, and elevations ranging from 800 to 3,000 feet. Vineyard planted in 1997 in the shadows of Eagle Peak.Blocks 5, 6, 7, 12, and 13. 81% 115 and 19% 777. Yield 2.1 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak in stainless open-top tanks. Aged 12 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 50% new and bottled unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Nicely appointed aromas of black pie cherries, rose petal, and timber. Blackberry, black raspberry and black grape fruits are luscious and perfectly ripened, composed in a mid weight style with added back notes of licorice, conifer and toasty oak. Both savory and fruity, with a seductively satiny mouthfeel, and a deep black cherry infused finish. A distinctive wine with plenty of character that reveals itself nicely now, but will improve in the cellar. Congratulations to the Fetzer boys on one of the best wines yet from Masùt. Score: 94. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Masút Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino Pinot Noir
21 months · An assortment of well-ripened, even slightly stewed dark fruit aromas with hints of dusty earth and floral bouquet. Mid weight flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, pomegranate and black tea in harmony with well-structured tannins. Previously 93 Score: 90. Reviewed February 4, 2018 ARTICLE »
2014 Masút Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.7% alc., 1,800 cases, $45. Clones 115 (50%), 23 (33%) and 777 (17%). Yields 2.9 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed, fermented in small open-top fermenters. Aged 15 months on lees in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new. Unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Elevating aromas of dark raspberries, blueberries and blackberries lead to an intensely fruited and gutsy wine featuring a mid weight plus core of blackberry fruit. The large fruit load is nicely tethered by tannins and the overall impression is one of finesse rather than muscle. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose had blossomed with ingratiating aromas of fresh black raspberry preserves, and the finish stood out for its generous intensity of purpose. Score: 93. Reviewed April 2, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Masút Vineyards & Winery Estate Vineyard Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., 1,500 cases, $40. Higher alcohol do to a heat spike in September. 94% clone 115 and 6% clone 23. Whole berry de-stemmed into open-top fermenters for a 16 to 20-day fermentation. Aged 15 months sur lie in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely perfume of black cherries and cedary oak. Intense attack of mid weight black raspberry, ollaliberry and blackest cherry fruits back by a subtle tug of oak. Incredibly gorgeous fruit back by firm tannins that are tucked in. Soft and smooth in the mouth, finishing with impressive drive and length. Score: 92. Reviewed April 6, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Masút Vineyards & Winery Two Barrel Eagle Peak Mendocino County Pinot Noir
15.1% alc., 50 cases, $60. Favorite two barrels of the vintage. 100% clone 115. Whole berry de-stemmed into open-top fermenters for a 20-day fermentation. Aged 15 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Hi-tone aromas of fruit basket, spice and bramble. On entry, the charge of blackest cherry, blackberry, and black raspberry is delicious. Bombastic, but still nimble and balanced with well-integrated fruit tannins, and a huge finish that takes intensity up a notch. More brooding than the Estate bottling at this stage, but exhibiting more potential. Score: 93. Reviewed April 5, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Masút Estate Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 2,450 cases, $40. From brothers Jake and Ben Fetzer. 22.6-acre vineyard planted in 1997 at the headwaters of the Russian River Valley. Dijon clones 115 (73%), 777 (18%) and 113 (9%). 100% de-stemmed, 14-18 day fermentation, aged sur lie for 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. Highly aromatic with black cherry and black plum scents accented by oak-driven toast and spice. Very smooth and seductive on the palate, with a middleweight core of vigorous black cherry, black raspberry coulis and cola flavors singing in cadence with thick oak notes. The fruit is beautifully ripened and rich on the mid palate, finishing with a generous presence. Tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine still had a significant oak overlay. I would cellar this wine for a year or two to integrate the oak. Score: 90. Reviewed February 4, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Masút Estate Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 1,041 cases, $40. Low yields, about 2.5 tons per acre. Native and selected yeast fermentations. Aged 11 months in 35% new French oak barrels from several coopers. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherries, dark raspberries and a hint of toasty brioche. Very fruity and fragrant. Mid weight flavors of black cherries and raspberries with a touch of spice and a subtle earthy, savory note. Good energy, with mild tannins, bright acidity, and a raspberry-infused finish that slips off the back of the tongue with a lasting impression. Terrific! Reviewed February 4, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Masút Estate Vineyard Block 1 Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 115 cases, $55. From a 1.86-acre block of 1690 vines of clone 115 planted in 1997 on 104-14 rootstock. Aged 11 months in 100% new Cadus French oak. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of earthy dark red fruits with a touch of red rose floral scent in the background. Impressive attack of mouth coating, silky and well-spiced cherry fruit complimented by perfect oak integration and supple tannins. A dreamy wine of great flavor that displays impeccable balance. Clone 115 is one of the few Dijon clones that can make a great stand-alone wine. Reviewed February 4, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Masút Estate Vineyard Block 11 Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 115 cases, $55. From a 1.75-acre block of 1,590 vines planted to clone 113 in 1997. Aged 11 months in 100% new Cadus French oak. 113 is seldom bottled as a stand-alone clone so this wine is unique. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Inviting nose, but brooding and needs time to open in the glass. Aromas of cherry pie glaze, mixed berry preservers, brioche, mocha and spice. Appealing flavors of dark red cherries, cranberries and raspberries with a savory, spicy underpinning. Crisp and juicy, with soft tannins. I like this wine but it does not have the mid palate impact or finish of the other block-designate Estate Vineyard Pinot Noirs. Good (+). Reviewed February 4, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Masút Estate Vineyard Block 13 Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 115 cases, $55. From a 1.15-acre block of 1,041 clone 777 vines planted on 101-14 rootstock in 2003. Aged 11 months in 100% new Cadus French oak. · Medium purple color in the glass. Muted nose that arrives over time with scents of dark berries, black cherry, black currant and dark chocolate. Fresh, with impressive fruit presence on the palate, softly textured, finishing with good power. The most sap and tannin of the block-designated wines but retains a velvety mouth feel and appealing drink ability. Very good. Reviewed February 4, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Masút Estate Vineyard Block 7 Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 115 cases, $55. Clone 115 planted in 1997 on 101-101 rootstock. 1.56 acres and 1,417 vines. Aged 11 months in 100% new Cadus French oak. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Veers to the darker side of fruit with more plum and a touch of herbs and oak. Mid weight flavors of black plum sauce and dark berries with a hint of spice and tea leaf, supported by mild tannins, and finishing with some notable fruit presence. Seems a bit closed now and should benefit from more time in bottle. Very good. Reviewed February 4, 2013 ARTICLE »
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 ARTICLE »
2009 Masút Mendocino County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.54, 700 cases, $40. Inaugural vintage. Aged 10 months in 55% new French oak barrels. · A stunning wine with alluring aromas of cherry pie and baking spices. Silky on the palate, with medium range flavors of red stone fruits wrapped in fine-grain tannins and bright acidity. Very approachable now. One of my favorites at WOPN. Very good (+). Reviewed March 12, 2011 ARTICLE »
2009 Masút Vineyard & Winery Mendocino Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.06, $40. A discovery this year at the World of Pinot Noir. Brothers Ben and Jake Fetzer produce an estate-grown Pinot Noir dedicated to the legacy of their father, Bobby Fetzer, a well-known and respected winegrower. The Masút Vineyard is certified organic and is located in the Redwood Valley at the headwaters of the Russian River. Clones are 777, 115 and 113. Aged in 55% new French oak barrels. · This is a wine of character with black cherry as its central theme. The fruit is fresh and bright, accented by a savory herb flavor, and displaying some oak-driven spice and mocha notes. Admirable finesse, with a long, juicy finish. Much better the next day from a previously opened and recorked bottle. Will benefit from more time in the bottle to further integrate the oak. Very good. Reviewed April 11, 2011 ARTICLE »