2018 Maritana Vineyards Pinot Noir, Moonshine Ranch
Dr. Pinot or Donald Patz, has introduced to his lineup of Maritana Vineyards a new designated single vineyard Pinot Noir. This now makes four single vineyards for his 2018 released wines. The others are Martaella Vineyard, La Russe and Jenkins Ranch. Stories on the other vineyards can be read at:
Jenkins Ranch and Martaella Vineyard – https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/01/04/maritana-vineyards-a-tale-of-two-vineyards/
Moonshine Vineyard is well- known as it is the vineyard that Martinelli Winery farms. They provided a portion called the “Square Block” with two different clones on it (Dijon 828 and UCD 04 “Pommard”) for Maritana Vineyards. This designated single vineyard Pinot Noir from Maritana Vineyards is a new release located not far from the Russian River in Sonoma County. Moonshine Ranch is has its own unique characteristics not found in the other offerings.
Visually on the eyes you see a very light translucent mix of purple and crimson coloring. This immediately leads one to believe you will be introduced to a bantam weight (light) Pinot Noir. But hold on! On the nose, rose petals and strawberries first waft into the olfactory senses. Once on the palate, the seemingly light weight turns into a mid-weight with raspberry, pomegranate, bright Bing cherries and a slight creaminess in the mouth. The finish shows the balanced structure with a soft and rounded crescendo.
The food pairing this evening was with a dish called Skillet Cajun Potatoes with Andouille Sausage. The meal was prepared with quartered red potatoes, olive oil, Creole seasoning, salt & pepper, leeks, minced garlic, white onion, fresh chopped thyme, cumin seed and sliced Andouille sausage. The slight spiciness of the meal with a moderately chilled Maritana Vineyards Moonshine Ranch was again “spot on”. The lively interchange of the wine and meal provided an excellent Yin and Yang effect. {Definition: in ancient Chinese philosophy, yin and yang is a concept of dualism, describing how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected and interdependent as they related to each other}.
I believe this may be Donald’s most intended crisp and lean Pinot Noir in the lineup but with an abundant bouquet. This is a standalone Pinot Noir to be sipped or paired with just the correct food to be another winner in Maritana Vineyards offering.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 