2020 Waits-Mast Roma's Vineyard Pinot Noir [JS93][JD90]

Producer: Waits-Mast 
Region: Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California 
Varietal: Pinot Noir 
Year: 2020 

Retail Price: $52.00
Our Price: $18.99* 

Waits-Mast Family Cellars was founded in 2005 by Jennifer Waits and Brian Mast.  It's a small production winery based in San Francisco sourcing fruit from small, independent family-owned vineyards in Anderson Valley.  Waits-Mast explores the diversity of Pinot Noir across Mendocino County.  They aim to show the diversity of flavors and characteristics of one region through the selection of single-vineyard Pinot Noir.  Winemaker Shalini Sekhar was named in the San Francisco Chronicle's Winemakers To Watch.  They wrote, "California's got not shortage of boutique wine labels producing single-vineyard Pinot Noirs.  But Shalini Sekhar's Pinots stand out."  Sekhar honed her wine skills at Williams-Selyem, Copain, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Furthermore and ROAR.  Waits-Mast is making wonderful wines at truly amazing prices considering the many accolades that they receive.  The 2020 Waits-Mast Roma's Vineyard Pinot Noir is only the second vintage made from this vineyard.  It's broad, earthy and generous with soft tannins.  The nose reveals aromas of freeze-dried strawberries, pomegranate and fresh cedar.  This Pinot is mouth-filling with generous acidity.  On the palate, there are flavors of cherry hard candy, pomegranate, grilled plum, tea leaves, creme brulee, forest floor, herbs and an umami saltiness.  The finish is intensely mineral with loads of smoky clove and white pepper.  This wine is singular and delicious.  Enjoy!

James Suckling, 93 Points 

"This smoky, peppery-tasting wine has a singular style, wrapping earthy and savory flavors in rather soft tannins. It's broad, earthy and generous in grilled plum, forest floor and beef jus notes that are delicious and different." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 90 Points 

"Only the second vintage of this vineyard-designate, the 2020 Pinot Noir Roma's Vineyard comes from a site 1,850 feet above the valley floor, exposed to the elements. Forest meets mineral-driven red fruit and citrus notes within a medium-bodied density that shows hints of tea and forest. Drink through 2030." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"The intense nose of the 2020 Roma’s is disguised by its pale appearance. Crafted from 100% Pommard clone, the nose reveals aromas of freeze-dried strawberries, pomegranate, and freshly milled cedar. Mouth-filling with generous acidity, flavors of cherry hard candy, hojicha tea leaves, and a touch of creme brûlée reward the drinker.  Light to medium ruby in the glass, this wine smells of earth, forest floor, and cherry fruit. In the mouth, that earthy, savory quality continues as dark cherry and forest floor flavors mix with herbs and a hint of licorice root. There’s also an umami saltiness to the wine that lingers in the finish with a hint of bitterness. Faintest of tannins." 

Alcohol: 14.3% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Discounts do not apply to wines like this one currently on sale.