2018 Waits Mast Mariah Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

WE95 Quite flavorful and nicely structured, this well-concentrated wine grown at 2,300 feet in elevation is worth keeping to enjoy how it develops over time. Engaging raspberry, red cherry and redwood aromas are followed by mouthfilling, ripe black fruit flavors on a full body braced by moderate, fine-grained tannins. Best from 2026.
Estate Notes: The 2018 Mariah is prototypical of this high elevation vineyard planted on a combination of Hugo and Josephine loams over a well drained Sandstone fractured Shale subsoil. Dusty, red fruited and spicy, it is simultaneously bright and lithe. Light on the palate, notes of bing cherry and black tea give way to a hint of vanilla crème through the finish. The acidity keeps the palate fresh and makes a great foil to heavier fare like a standing rib roast.