2021 Waits Mast Oppenlander Vineyard Pinot Noir Mendocino County

WSI94+ Showing a beautiful medium ruby hue with a tinge of violet on the edges, the 2021 Oppenlander opens up with aromas of black cherry, raspberry candy, and hints of lilacs and black tea. Rich dark fruit envelops the palate, complemented by notes of clove, rhubarb, sandalwood, and a subtle interplay of vanilla and cocoa. The aromatics on this wine also smell like harvest – that complex mix of earthy, flowery, and sweet fragrance that can evoke nostalgia as we enter a cooler time of year. How appropriate as we release this ninth vintage of our Pinot Noir made from this coastal-influenced site. The structure and subtle fine-grain tannins of this wine result in a long, fruit-driven finish and ensure years of complexity unfolding as the wine ages gracefully. As you think about autumn dishes like roasted pork with butternut squash or herb-crusted lamb chops, this wine will provide inspiration for some great food pairing.