Quick Sip: Masút Vineyard and Winery 2014 Estate Pinot Noir
Hello Friends,
Today’s Quick Sip is the 2014 Estate Pinot Noir from Masút Vineyard and Winery. Founded in 2009 by third generation brothers, Jake and Ben Fetzer, Masút specializes in high-quality estate-grown Pinot Noir. All the grapes used in winemaking come from their certified organic Masút vineyard in Eagle Peak AVA. Eagle Peak is a relatively new appellation (established in 2014) in northern California’s Mendocino County. The brothers led the effort in petitioning for the new viticultural area; later converting an old barn to a cellar and releasing their first vintage in 2011.
This is not the brothers’ first rodeo, however. They were born into a winemaking family with their grandparents, Barney and Kathleen Fetzer, establishing well-known Fetzer Vineyards in 1968. Shortly after the sale of Fetzer in the early 1990s, their father Robert Fetzer began looking for a new farming project. He purchased a 1,200 acre ranch in 1994 with the intent of growing great Pinot Noir. He named the property Masút, a Native American word meaning “dark, rich, earth.” In 1997, Jake and Ben began planting the vineyard and several years later area vintners took note of the site’s potential. Sadly, their father passed in 2006 in a rafting accident. To honor their father, the sons moved forward with the project. Today, Masút is planted to approximately 40 acres of vines; most of it Pinot Noir. Without a doubt, Mr. Fetzer selected a great site for Pinot Noir nearly 22 years ago. This example is rock solid with admirable character. For further information and where you can find it, please see my tasting notes below.
Today’s Quick Sip is the 2014 Estate Pinot Noir from Masút Vineyard and Winery. Founded in 2009 by third generation brothers, Jake and Ben Fetzer, Masút specializes in high-quality estate-grown Pinot Noir. All the grapes used in winemaking come from their certified organic Masút vineyard in Eagle Peak AVA. Eagle Peak is a relatively new appellation (established in 2014) in northern California’s Mendocino County. The brothers led the effort in petitioning for the new viticultural area; later converting an old barn to a cellar and releasing their first vintage in 2011.
This is not the brothers’ first rodeo, however. They were born into a winemaking family with their grandparents, Barney and Kathleen Fetzer, establishing well-known Fetzer Vineyards in 1968. Shortly after the sale of Fetzer in the early 1990s, their father Robert Fetzer began looking for a new farming project. He purchased a 1,200 acre ranch in 1994 with the intent of growing great Pinot Noir. He named the property Masút, a Native American word meaning “dark, rich, earth.” In 1997, Jake and Ben began planting the vineyard and several years later area vintners took note of the site’s potential. Sadly, their father passed in 2006 in a rafting accident. To honor their father, the sons moved forward with the project. Today, Masút is planted to approximately 40 acres of vines; most of it Pinot Noir. Without a doubt, Mr. Fetzer selected a great site for Pinot Noir nearly 22 years ago. This example is rock solid with admirable character. For further information and where you can find it, please see my tasting notes below.
Masút Vineyard and Winery 2014 Estate Pinot Noir (SRP $45): Medium-deep ruby purple in color, this appealingly aromatic Pinot Noir is generous yet nicely balanced with fresh black cherry and ripe blackberry flavors intermingled with notes of anise and spice box. Well-defined in structure with notable underlying tannins, a solid core of acidity lifts the fruit and holds everything together through the lasting, fruit-driven finish. There’s good concentration and depth of fruit, too. I enjoyed a glass with smoked brisket. Rack of lamb, braised duck breast, and red sauce dishes would also be excellent choices. It is also a delightful solitary sipper. Approximately 1,800 cases of this wine were produced. Region: Eagle Peak AVA, Mendocino County, California. Other info: 14.7% ABV, vineyard blocks 6,7,12,13 & 14, clones: 115, 23, 777, 2.9 tons per acre yields, unfiltered, matured in French oak for 15 months sur lie, cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
