Rural Pinot Noir Eagle Peak 2018
Regularly $24.99
Sale $19.99 - Save 20%
90 pts Wine Spectator
Supply is very limited. But I will have access to the 90 pt-rated 2019 vintage in a few weeks.
Masut Vineyard was founded by third generation farmers Ben and Jake Fetzer in the largely unplanted mountains of Mendocino County. The vineyards were initially planted by their father in the early 90s, and they created the winery to honor his legacy after his unfortunate passing in 2006. They have tirelessly worked to create and promote the Eagle Peak appellation, the mountainous region they call home, and believe has the ingredients for producing world-class Pinot. At just under 3,000 cases produced, the wines have found a niche in the boutique Pinot Noir category.
“Wait, Todd… the label says ‘Rural’. Why are you going on about Masut?”
Ahh… simple. What does a winery do when they have more juice than they can sell? Sure, they can lower the price. Or introduce another label within their brand at a lower price. But both of these options ultimately undermine their ability to sell long-term at their targeted price. In this case, Masut’s Pinots sell for $45-65.
A better option, which the Fetzer brothers have engaged in, is to create a completely new label and “winery”. So they can sell off their juice at a higher price than doing so in bulk to other wineries. They protect their main brand, and get more immediate cash flow to boot, since this label is delivered to market earlier than the others.
All if which is a long way of saying this drinks like $45, but sells to you for just $19.99!
The fruit is hand-harvested, then destemmed and pressed into small French oak barrels for aging. What I find compelling about this wine is its balance between juicy red berry flavors and the fine earthiness and minerality that is the hallmark of great Pinot Noir. “This offers a fine balance between the engaging minerally notes and lithe red fruit, berry and spice flavors. Silky tannins are matched to sandalwood accents on the burnished finish.” Wine Spectator
