Waits-Mast Family Cellars

Articles About Waits-Mast Family Cellars

Reviewed Wines

2016 Waits-Mast Nash Mill Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., $Pre-release. Vineyard is located at the cool northern end of Anderson Valley. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose balances aromas of cherry, fertile earth and oak. Tasty mid weight flavors of black cherry and raspberry are framed by gracious tannins. Complimentary oak highlights ply the background. The wine has an appealingly polished texture. The fruit always stands out from this vineyard. Score: 92. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Waits-Mast Mendocino County Rosé of Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 20 cases, $25. A saignée from multiple vineyard lots across Mendocino County. · Moderate salmon color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of blood orange, strawberry and pear. Somewhat robust, with flavors of peach, orange peel, baking spice and cream soda. Nicely balanced and an easy going summertime quaff. Score: 88. Reviewed July 9, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Waits-Mast Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 75 cases, $35. Released November 2017. A select blend of different barrels from the winery’s vineyard-designate wines: Mariah Vineyard in the Mendocino Ridge and Oppenlander Vineyard in Mendocino County. Harvest Brix 23.9º (Mariah) and 26.5º (Oppenlander). 100% de-stemmed, native yeast (Oppenlander) and proprietary yeast (Mariah). Aged 16 months in neutral French oak barrels and bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry and sandalwood lead to a lighter weighted wine featuring cherry and blueberry fruit flavors that are simple but satisfying. Sleek in the mouth with good t n’ a balance and some red cherry finish. A very good daily drinker. Score: 89. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Waits-Mast Mariah Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., 75 cases, $42. Released November 2018. Vineyard is located at 2,400 feet elevation. Dry-farmed. Clones 667 and Pommard. 100% destemmed, proprietary yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Primarily oak-driven toast and char aromas. Difficult to coax any fruit aromas from the glass. Mid weight plus in concentration, with well-ripened flavors of purple and black berries that fill the mid palate. Sleek in texture with balance tannins and a fruit-driven, slightly sweet finish.. Tasted twice with consistent results. Score: 88. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Waits-Mast Nash Mill Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 70 cases, $42. Released November 2017. Average harvest Brix 23.5º. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard. 100% de-stemmed, proprietary yeast fermentation. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Lovable aromas of red berries, fresh cherry, spice and sandalwood. Discretely concentrated essence of cherry and raspberry with impressive length in the mouth and on the finish.Luxurious mouthfeel, with very fine-grain tannins and a compliment of toasty oak in the background. This is clearly a special vineyard. Score: 93. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Waits-Mast Oppenlander Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 118 cases, $45. Released November 2018. Vineyard is located outside the town of Comptche, 8.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Consistently cool temperatures pervade the growing season and harvest is late. Clones 115 and Pommard. 100% de-stemmed, native yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in a mix of once-used, twice-used and neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Light garnet color in the glass. Elegantly styled, with aromas of cherry, strawberry, tobacco leaf and toast. Discreet in weight, with refreshing flavors of cherry, raspberry and allspice. Good vibrancy, with a suave mouthfeel and some finishing grace and purpose. Score: 90. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Waits-Mast Wentzel Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 90 cases, $47. Released November 2018. The 10-acre vineyard near Philo is organically farmed. Dijon clones 114, 115, 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, proprietary yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of boysenberry pie and underbrush lead to light to mid weight flavors of boysenberry and blackberry with a bit of nutty oak in the background. The fruit is supported by mild, ruddy tannins. The wine has a somewhat shallow finish and lacks a bit of stuffing, but overall is a pleasant drink. Score: 89. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Waits-Mast Deer Meadows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 70 cases, $58. Released March 2018. Vineyard is situated at 1600 feet elevation above Boonville. Owned and farmed by Rich Savoy. Harvest Brix 22.8º and 23.4º. Clones 115, 777 and Calera. 100% de-stemmed, native fermentation, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Bright aromas of black cherry, fertile earth and friendly oak. Mid weight flavors of red cherry and berry and blueberry with a savory herbal thread. Silken tannins, with deft oak management. A solid wine but doesn’t overly excite. Score: 90. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Waits-Mast Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 72 cases, $35. Released June 2016. A blend of grapes from Mariah Vineyard in Mendocino Ridge and Oppenlander Vineyard in Mendocino County. Harvest Brix 23º and 24º. Clones 114, 115, 667 and Pommard. Aged 11 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Heavily oaked on the nose with aromas of toast and campfire. Soft in the mouth, with forward, mid-weight cherry flavor underlain with a thread of oak (less oak on the palate). Agreeable tannins and a very modest finish. Score: 86. Reviewed July 9, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Waits-Mast Nash Mill Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 67 cases, $40. Released November 2016. Vineyard owned by Zac and Krista Robinson, whose family also owns Husch Vineyards. Harvest Brix 26.5º. A mix of 115 and 667 and Pommard clones harvested from this fog-bound, deep end site. Fermented whole berry with native yeasts and aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of cherry, cranberry, wilted rose and pipe smoke. Flat-out great on the palate with a delicious core of black cherry fruit. Elegantly composed and satiny in texture, with modest tannins and a sleek, polished demeanor. The oak lends a helping but not intrusive hand. This wine simply stands out immediately upon tasting and continues its peacock tail finish when tasted over a two day period. Score: 94. Reviewed July 9, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Waits-Mast Mariah Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 96 cases, $42. Released June 2017. This vineyard is located at 2,400 feet elevation and is owned by Dan Dooling and Vicki Tomola. Clones 667 and Pommard on Syrah rootstock (the vineyard was originally planted in the 1970s to Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel). Harvest Brix 25.1º. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lovely and nuanced in the glass, with aromas of strawberry, red cherry, sandalwood, wine cave, and floral bouquet. Intense on the attack with mouth coating flavors of dark red berries and cherries filling the mouth with goodness. A wine of character with a good grip on the finish that really holds on. Score: 91. Reviewed July 9, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Waits-Mast Oppenlander Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 165 cases, $45. Release September 2017.Harvest Brix 22.2º. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard. Aged in French oak barrels, 37.5% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasant, but very subdued aromas of dark cherry, spice, fertile earth and oak. Inviting vibrancy and cut on the finish in a middleweight styled wine with flavors of dark cherry and berry. An underlying earthy tone and firm tannic support engage the fruit core. Unchanged when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed July 9, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Waits-Mast Wentzel Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 120 cases, $47. Released November 2016. Sourced from a 10-acre, organically farmed vineyard located in Philo. Dijon clones harvested at 23.5º from a block situated up a steep hillside benefiting from long afternoon sunlight, tempered by cool offshore breezes. Native yeast fermentation, 25% whole cluster. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Engaging perfume of cherry, strawberry, spice, tobacco and earth. Light to mid weight in style, featuring darker red fruits on the palate. Well-crafted, with juicy acidity, but a bit shallow on the mid palate and lacks finishing purpose. Score: 89. Reviewed July 8, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Waits-Mast Wentzel Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 120 cases, $47. Released November 2016. Harvest Brix 23.5º Clones 114, 115, 667 and 777. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Production was doubled in 2014 and 25% whole clusters added to the fermentation (a rare technique for this winery). · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas ob cherry, pine, wood shed and dried herbs. A little more sap, body, structure and finish in this vintage compared to 2013. Mid weight flavors of dark red cherries and berries set off with complimentary oak spice. Texturally interesting, with fine-grain tannins and overall welcome harmony. Score: 90. Reviewed July 9, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Waits-Mast Deer Meadows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 144 cases, $58. Released March 2017. This vineyard is located at 1,600 feet elevation above Boonville with a southeastern facing view of Anderson Valley. Owned and farmed by Rich Savoy. Clones 115, 777 and Calera selection. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. The nose opens over time in the glass, revealing opulent aromas of dark red berries and Asian spices. Polished and light on its feet, with vivid flavors of red cherries and berries framed by engaging tannins and juicy acidity. A good example of power without muscle that makes Pinot Noir so seductive. Score: 93. Reviewed July 9, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Waits-Mast Mariah Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 91 cases, $42. Released November 2015. Harvest Brix 26º. Clones 667 and Pommard. Native yeast fermentation. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Very little fruit aromas on the nose that features scents of peppery spice, rose petal, potpourri, sweet pipe smoke and toasty oak. Very juicy, middleweight cherry core with accents of spice, and BBQ smoke. Polished in the mouth with integrated tannins and a modest finish. Score: 88. Reviewed July 9, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Waits-Mast Oppenlander Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 153 cases, $44. Released November 2015. This vineyard is well known although located remotely in the small town of Comptche, about 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean as the crow flies. The vineyard is owned by the Shandel family who are fifth generation owners of the property. The vineyard is exposed to marine influence and is quite cool. Harvest Brix 23.5º. Clones 114, 115 and Pommard, Aged in French oak barreks, 1 and 2-year-old and neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Subdued aromas of black cherry, black berry and Christmas spices. Earthy and a bit rustic, with mid weight flavors of black cherry and blackberry with a green bramble undertone. Put together with good harmony, but doesn’t emote. Score: 88. Reviewed July 9, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Waits-Mast Wentzel Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 120 cases, $47. Released May 2016. This 10-acre vineyard is organically farmed by Roland and Barbara Wentzel. Located near Philo at 900 feet elevation. Fruit for this wine is sourced from a block situated up on the hill and less than an acre in size. Clones 114, 115, 667 and 777. Some fruit is also sourced from Lookout block, Dijon 667. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of leaf, barrel, and red cherry with a subtle medicinal note. Light to mid weight in style, with flavors of red raspberry, cranberry, blueberry and Crimini mushroom. Modest tannins, with some finishing purpose. This wine has some charm, but not the flavor to full entice. Score: 88. Reviewed July 9, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Waits-Mast Deer Meadows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 120 cases, $58. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Leading off are aromas of briery berries, cherry, and seasoned oak. This wine is cherry driven in a sleek, mid weight style, with a prominent woody, earthy tone. Score: 88. Reviewed July 24, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Waits-Mast Deer Meadows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 120 cases, $58. Released May 2016. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Clones 115, 777 and Calera selection. Native yeast fermentation. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The pedigree of this vineyard is clearly evident in this wine. Well-appointed aromas of black pie cherries and spice lead to a mid weight plus style wine with delicious flavors of black cherry, dark raspberry and spice. The wine offers juicy acidity, modest tannins and welcome generosity on the finish. Score: 92. Reviewed July 9, 2017 ARTICLE »

2012 Waits-Mast Mendocino County Rosé

14.5% alc., 24 cases, $20. Release April 2013. A saignée from three vineyards in Mendocino County (Deer meadow, Nash Mill and Mariah). Clones 115, 667, 777, Pommard and Swan. Native fermentation, aged 6 months in neutral French oak. · Moderately deep pink-orange color in the glass. Nicely scented with a perfume of fresh strawberries and summer watermelon. Plenty of body and flavor for a rosé featuring tastes that echo the nose and some fruit-driven finishing intensity. Enjoyable, but lacks crispness and delivers a sense of heat on the finish. Will stand up to more substantial summer fare. Score: 85. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »

2012 Waits-Mast Nash Mill Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 70 cases, $40. Released May 2014. Vineyard owned by Zac and Krista Robinson, whose family also owns Husch Vineyards. It is located in the cool northern end of the Anderson Valley. Clone 115, 777 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 27.0º-28.0º. 100% de-stemmed, native and inoculated fermentation, aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Like a walk in the forest, this wine smells of conifer and earthy spices. An intriguing palate featuring flavors of black cherry, baking spice, and mocha. Tricked out with a velvety mouthfeel and firm structural bones. Highly unique and interesting, and difficult to describe, but I really like it. Even better later the same day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Serious goodness. Score: 93. Reviewed March 16, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Waits-Mast Mariah Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 98 cases, $42. Released October 2014. Vineyard planted by Dan Dooling and Vicki Tomola in the 1970s. Located at 2,400‘ elevation. Clones are 667 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 25.5º. 4-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Interesting aromas of cherry, sous-bois, iron and a hint of smoky oak. Light in weight with good finesse, offering flavors of cherry, boysenberry and spice. Nicely composed with good oak integration and echoes of cherry on the modest finish. Score: 89. Reviewed March 16, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Waits-Mast Oppenlander Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 95 cases, $44. Released October 2014. Vineyard is outside town of Comptche, about 8 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Harvest Brix 24.7º. Clones 114, 115 and Pommard. 100% de-stemmed, native yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in once used, twice used and neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas never really come forth, even when checked the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle. The mid weight black cherry and black raspberry flavors have a ripe but not over ripe profile. Highly enjoyable with a touch of oak seasoning and a subtle earthy, feral note typical of this vineyard. Nicely balanced tannins and some finishing intensity. Great potential here but will require some patience. Score: 90-91. Reviewed March 16, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Waits-Mast Wentzel Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 48 cases, $45. Released October 2014. Vineyard is located at 900’ elevation near Philo. The 10-acre property is organically farmed. Harvest Brix 23.5º. Clones 114, 115, 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, native yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate ruby red color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry and raspberry replicated in the flavors. Laden with blueberry, raspberry and spice, framed by good acid tension, but tight and unexpressive. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was still closed with tannins somewhat more prominent than fruit. Cellar this one for a year or two. Score: 88-89. Reviewed March 16, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Waits-Mast Deer Meadows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 97 cases, $55. This vineyard is situated at 1,600 feet elevation above Boonville farmed by Rich Savoy. Harvest Brix 24º-25º. Clones 115, 777 and Calera. 100% de-stemmed, whole berry fermentation, native yeasts. Aged 17 months in 25% new French oak. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Soaring scents of black cherries, rose petals and spice. Delicious mid to full bodied flavors of dark cherries, dark berries and plums with a riff of Asian 5-spice. The mouthfeel is velvety, the tannins are well proportioned, the oak is beautifully integrated, and the finish has impressive depth and length. Score: 94. Reviewed July 28, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Waits-Mast Deer Meadows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc.,97 cases, $55. Released May 2014. Rich Savoy’s vineyard above Boonville at 1,600‘ elevation. Clones 115, 777 and Calera. Harvest Brix 25.0º. 100% de-stemmed, native fermentation, aged 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of darker stone and berry fruits. Impressive attack of nicely ripened boysenberry and pomegranate fruit backed by firm tannins. The biggest, baddest, sappiest wine in the 2012 lineup but everything is in balance. The finish is especially noteworthy with plenty of spice and fruit to please. Should benefit from another year or two in bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed March 16, 2015 ARTICLE »

2010 Waits-Mast Archer Family Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 50 cases, $36. Vineyard is situated off Starr Road in Windsor and planted to clones 777, 828 Pommard and Jackson 9. The site is adjacent Copain and about 2 miles from Amber Ridge Vineyard. First wine from this vineyard. 100% destemmed, aged 17 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. The nose is clean and pleasing, with aromas of darker cherries, raspberries, fennel and smoky oak. Modest in weight with flavors of boysenberry, blueberry and raspberry backed by sinewy tannins. A little heat shows up on the finish. Atypical flavors for Russian River Valley. Score: 86. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Waits-Mast Cellars Londer Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 100 cases, $40. Released May 2012. Londer Vineyard is located west of Philo, surrounded by a forest of conifers. Clones 115 and Swan picked at 24º to 25º Brix. 100% de-stemmed, native yeast fermentation, aged 17 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very aromatic with scents of dark red cherries and berries with a kiss of oak. Full-on mid palate attack of black cherry flavor that is sappy and showy, sporting young, firm tannins and a remarkably fruit-filled finish that goes on and on. Needs time to fully integrate the tannins. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Waits-Mast Londer Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 100 cases, $40. Released May 2012. This vineyard is just west of Philo off Highway 128. The vineyard is surrounded by forests of conifer and benefits from warm days and foggy mornings. Soils are well-drained sandy loam over clay loam. Clones 115 and Swan. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 17 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of warm berry tart, spice and forest floor. Relatively full-bodied, with plenty of sappy blackberry and black cherry flavor carrying over to an intense, fruit-driven finish. Very clean and classy fruit balanced with ripe tannins and appealing acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Waits-Mast Oppenlander Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 50 cases, $44. Released April 2013. This vineyard is located outside the town of Comptche about eight and a half miles from the Pacific Ocean as the crow flies. The Shandel family are fifth generation owners of the property. The vineyard sees consistently cool temperatures and harvest is late. Careful sorting was required to remove sunburned grapes, a result of heat spikes in August and late September. Clone 114. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 17 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of earth-kissed dark berries with a complement of oak. Intensely fruity and I mean intense. Full-bodied flavors of black plum, black currant, boysenberry, black raspberry and brewed tea. A good cut of acidity lifts the fruit and the tannins are balanced. Admirable smoothness on the palate. A typical wine for this clone and vineyard. Score: 90. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Waits-Mast Wentzel Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 50 cases, $45. Released September 2012. This 10-acre vineyard is located about 900 feet above sea level near Philo. Organically farmed within an expansive 300+ acre forested property. Roland and Barbara Wentzel are passionate caretakers of the vineyard. Clones 114, 115, 667 and 777 from a block that is less than an acre, all picked at the same time. Aged 17 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of black fruits and oak. A full-bodied, concentrated blast of blackberry and cassis flavors hit the mid palate and carry over to the modestly long finish. This is a big wine that is somewhat rugged and shoulders plenty of dry tannin. Should benefit from time in the cellar to allow the aromas to arrive and the tannins to integrate. An unusual amount of extraction for an Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, but appealing in its style. Score: 89. Reviewed July 21, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 Waits-Mast Hayley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 24 cases, $36. Released September 2011. From a 34-acre valley floor site planted to Dijon clones 114, 115, 667 and 777 with small amounts of Pommard and Martini. This wine is all clone 114. 100% whole berry. Inoculated yeast. Aged 17 months in 25% new Francois Frères French oak. · Aromas and flavors of black cap raspberries and black cherries with a subtle underlying earthy, herbal bent. Full-flavored and plush on the palate, with a juicy finish. A savory wine that aims to please. Still solid the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Waits-Mast Amber Ridge Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 47 cases, $42. Released September 2011. The vineyard was planted in 2000 with Dijon clones 115, 667, and 777. This wine is predominantly clone 115 (50%). 100% whole berry, inoculated with RC212 yeast, aged 17 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very reserve nose initially, opening slowly over time in the glass to reveal delicate aromas of dark cherries, Asian 5-spice and hibiscus. Delicious core of spiced black cherry and cola flavor with an underpinning of savory herbs. Soft and plush on the palate with modest tannins. A little warmth in the background. A very bold tasting, California style Pinot which will find fans. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Waits-Mast Oppenlander Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 48 cases, $44. Released September 2011. A vineyard that consistently produces distinctive and stunning wines. Located just outside the town of Comptche, about 8.5 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. The vineyard is owned by the Shandel family, 5th generation owners of the property. The site is very cool and harvest is typically later than in other regions. 100% whole berry, native yeast, aged 17 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of wooded forest, wild berries and fresh cherries. Delicious essence of red Pinot fruits with a savory, spicy, herbal edge. Amazing fruit intensity on a rather delicate frame. Very soft in the mouth. A lighter, redder interpretation of Pinot from this vineyard in this vintage. Hint: If you see “Oppenlander Vineyard” on a Pinot wine label, buy it. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Waits Mast Deer Meadows Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 49 cases, $47, released September 1, 2011. Vineyard farmed by Rich Savoy off Deer Meadows Road above Boonville. Clones 115 and 2A. 100% whole berry, aged 17 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. A savory wine with herb-scented and herb-flavored deep red cherry and berry fruits backed by dusty tannins, finishing with reasonable length. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Waits-Mast Deer Meadow Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 49 cases, $47. Released September 2011. This vineyard is located at 1,600 feet elevation above the town of Boonville and is farmed by Rich Savoy. Clones are 115 and 2A. 100% whole berry, inoculated yeast, aged 17 months in 25% new French oak barrels. · Pleasant aromas of dark cherries and berries, bark, forest floor, and fennel, becoming more giving over time in the glass. Tasty core of fruit featuring black raspberries, purple grapes and black cherries veering to the ripe side, underlain with a complimentary hint of savory herbs, green pepper and toasty oak. Moderately rich with mild tannins and some length on the finish. Tasted twice with consistent results. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Waits-Mast La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 23 cases, $47. Released September 2011. Clones 115 and 777. 100% whole berry, aged 17 months in 20% new French oak barrel. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black grapes, fruit leather, herbs and tar. Rich, plush and soft on the palate, featuring flavors of earth bound black cherries and plum. A bit ponderous and lacks a spark. Tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine showed a riper profile including raisin. Good (+). Reviewed June 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 Waits-Mast Amber Ridge Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 25 cases, $44. Released April 2010. Clones 115, 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 12 months in 33% new French oak. · Unusual aromatics starting off with scents of wine cave and oak toast progressing to aromas of gingerbread and roasted tomato without any fruit evident. Tasty core of dark ripe cherries and cassis with a brown spice and roasted fruit tone. Smooth in the mouth with supple tannins. Big discrepancy between the nose and flavors may resolve with more time in the bottle. Decent. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Waits-Mast Family Cellars Hein Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 25 cases, $44. Released in the fall 2009. Co-ferment of 115 and Pommard clones. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 11 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Black cherry and herbal highlights on the nose carry over onto the smooth palate with the slightest ash lurking in the background. Healthy tannins need time to integrate. Good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Waits-Mast Wentzel Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 25 cases, $42. Sourced from the 10-acre Wentzel Vineyard located near Philo and organically farmed by Roland Wentzel. 100% destemmed, native fermentation, aged 11 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · An impressive wine filled with tasty dark cherry and berry fruit, an underlying green note, and sporting a smooth, velvety texture, gossamer tannins, and a refreshingly clean finish. Close to a Pinot Geek wine. Reviewed June 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Waits-Mast Wines La Encantada Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 25 cases, $42. Jennifer Waits and Brian Mast are fog bound San Francisco winemakers focused solely on vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs in 25 to 50 case lots from sites in the Anderson Valley, Russian River Valley and Sta. Rita Hills. Clones 115, 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, aged 11 months in 33% new French oak. Crafted at Crushpad. · Scents of dark strawberries and cherries, dried roses, herbs and pine. Herb-inflected dark red cherry and berry flavors with hints of oak, green tomato and citrus. Well-crafted, with respectable richness and creaminess, but doesn’t strike my fancy. Tasted twice. Decent (+). Reviewed December 16, 2009 ARTICLE »