Description

Masut Eagle Peak Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir

Overview

The Eagle Peak Pinot Noir from Masút Vineyard & Winery showcases the character of Mendocino County’s rugged mountain vineyards. Grown at elevation within the Eagle Peak AVA, this estate Pinot Noir combines vibrant fruit, refined structure, and a clear sense of place. Crafted in small lots and aged in French oak, the wine captures both the elegance of Pinot Noir and the depth that mountain vineyards can produce.

The Winery

Masút was founded in 1994 when Robert and Sheila Fetzer purchased the Masút Ranch, a 1,200 acre property located at the headwaters of the Russian River in Mendocino County. Today the estate is run by brothers Ben and Jake Fetzer, third generation California vintners and grandsons of Barney and Kathleen Fetzer, who founded Fetzer Vineyards in 1968. After growing up farming and making wine in Mendocino County, the brothers built a modern winery in 2008 designed specifically for small lot Pinot Noir production. The name Masút, meaning “dark rich earth” in the Yuki language of the region’s Indigenous people, reflects the deep connection between the vineyard and the land.

Mendocino County

Located along California’s northern coast, Mendocino County is known for its dramatic landscape, cool coastal influence, and diverse growing conditions. Vineyards stretch from the Pacific coastline inland through valleys and into mountainous terrain, creating a wide range of microclimates well suited to different grape varieties. The region has built a strong reputation for cool climate varieties, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Cooling Pacific breezes, significant elevation changes, and large day to night temperature swings allow grapes to ripen slowly while maintaining freshness and natural acidity.

Region: Eagle Peak AVA

The Eagle Peak AVA is one of Mendocino County’s most rugged and elevated wine regions. Vineyards are planted along steep mountain slopes high above the Ukiah Valley where cooling Pacific influences and significant day to night temperature swings create ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. These mountain conditions allow grapes to ripen slowly while preserving acidity and aromatic complexity, resulting in wines with vibrant fruit and natural balance.

Estate Vineyard

The Masút estate spans 1,200 acres within the Eagle Peak AVA, with vineyards planted across multiple hillside sites ranging from roughly 900 to 1,600 feet in elevation. The property contains 19 vineyard blocks planted primarily to Pinot Noir using several distinct clones including Dijon 115, 113, and 777 along with heritage selections such as Swan and Mt. Eden. Each block is harvested and fermented separately before the final blends are assembled.

Winemaking

Masút focuses on small lot Pinot Noir production designed to highlight the individuality of each vineyard block. Fruit from each block is fermented separately before aging in French oak barrels. After maturation, the final blends are assembled and bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving both texture and vineyard character.

Vintage Character

The Eagle Peak region benefits from warm daytime temperatures balanced by cool mountain nights, allowing Pinot Noir to ripen fully while maintaining freshness. These conditions produce wines with excellent balance, expressive fruit, and natural structure, highlighting the personality of the vineyard site.

Tasting Notes

The Eagle Peak Pinot Noir opens with aromas of black cherry, wild raspberry, rose petal, and subtle baking spice. On the palate, layers of red berry fruit, forest floor, and gentle oak unfold with silky tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and elegant, showcasing the balance and finesse that mountain grown Pinot Noir can deliver.

Masut Eagle Peak Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Garnet
• AROMA: Black cherry, wild raspberry, rose petal, and subtle baking spice
• TASTE: Layers of vibrant red berry fruit with hints of forest floor and gentle oak
• FINISH: Long and elegant, highlighting the finesse and balance typical of mountain grown fruit
• ABV: 14.5%