I was quite impressed with the 2009 vintage of Masút Pinot Noir. So when the 2010 came across my desk I was particularly excited to sample it and see if it compared favorably to that previous vintage. Masút Vineyards and Winery was founded by third generation vintners Ben and Jacob Fetzer. They’re a small family own and run winery specializing in Pinot Noir; a grape that has gained tremendous popularity in the United States over the last decade and is becoming a key varietal for Mendocino County. Today I’ll take a look at the 2010 release
The Masút 2010 Estate Pinot Noir was sourced from the winery’s 23 acre hillside parcel. This vineyard was planted in 1997. The property is split into numerous blocks; 13 different ones, hand picked over 12 days were utilized to create this Pinot Noir. After hand sorting and destemming the fruit was fermented over 16 days in stainless steel utilizing both native and select yeasts. Barrel aging occurred over 11 months in French oak; 50% of the barrels were new. 1,400 6 bottles cases of this release were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $40.
Wild strawberry, leather, mushroom and thyme aromas leap from the glass of this 2010 Pinot Noir. The palate is loaded with appealing and eager fresh, red fruit flavors; strawberry, cherry and raspberry are all here in abundance. Gingerbread spices kick in along with white pepper towards the back of the palate. The finish is impressively persistent and shows off rhubarb, sour cherry, black raspberry and a bit of green peppercorn. This wine is finely structured and has lively and vibrant acidity. It's easy to enjoy on its own and will pair favorably with an incredibly wide array of foods
This Pinot has depth and layer upon layer of delicious flavors to spare. I recommend decanting this wine if you’re going to consume it over the next year or two. It’s ever so slightly tight and some air really allows it to open up and showcase all its charms. As great as the 2009 release was, this one is strikingly better. The bottom line for me: The Masút 2010 Estate Pinot Noir represents everything that great Pinot Noir from California should be. If you love Pinot Noir I can’t recommend this wine vociferously enough; grab it before it’s gone.