Mayacamas Vineyards
Mt. Veeder Pinot Noir
Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California, USA
This bottle was generously provided by a friend, direct from his cellar. Let me start by stating that this wine made an impression. For one, I had never even seen a bottle of Mayacamas Pinot Noir (I think they only made a couple hundred cases a year). Second, at nearly 16 years old, I knew this was made by Bob Travers which meant we were probably in for a unique experience. I was not wrong. Popped and poured; no formal notes due to the setting. The wine poured a deep ruby with just a little bit of fine sediment which turned out to be the only thing that indicated any age on this bottle. Frankly, this came across…like it was a baby. Incredibly primary notes of tart red fruits, rhubarb, green herbs, olive, and dry earth. The other interesting characteristic was that it seemed to have a heavy influence of American oak. I seem to recall Bob Travers had some unusual cellar practices…but I don’t recall him using very much new oak…if at all. Anyway, this was a really unique wine and unlike any other Pinot Noir from Napa that I have ever had. The stated 15% alcohol seems almost laughable. If that’s true, then it’s remarkably controlled. If this bottle is a true indication of evolution, then expect a long life ahead. Drink now with a decant or enjoy through 2031.
This bottle was generously provided by a friend, direct from his cellar. Let me start by stating that this wine made an impression. For one, I had never even seen a bottle of Mayacamas Pinot Noir (I think they only made a couple hundred cases a year). Second, at nearly 16 years old, I knew this was made by Bob Travers which meant we were probably in for a unique experience. I was not wrong. Popped and poured; no formal notes due to the setting. The wine poured a deep ruby with just a little bit of fine sediment which turned out to be the only thing that indicated any age on this bottle. Frankly, this came across…like it was a baby. Incredibly primary notes of tart red fruits, rhubarb, green herbs, olive, and dry earth. The other interesting characteristic was that it seemed to have a heavy influence of American oak. I seem to recall Bob Travers had some unusual cellar practices…but I don’t recall him using very much new oak…if at all. Anyway, this was a really unique wine and unlike any other Pinot Noir from Napa that I have ever had. The stated 15% alcohol seems almost laughable. If that’s true, then it’s remarkably controlled. If this bottle is a true indication of evolution, then expect a long life ahead. Drink now with a decant or enjoy through 2031.
Jun 24th, 2022
Lean but pretty with roses and plums. Lifted and pretty.
Lean but pretty with roses and plums. Lifted and pretty.
Oct 3rd, 2019A bit of a different nose. Effervescent. Plums and red berries.
A bit of a different nose. Effervescent. Plums and red berries.
Jul 4th, 2018
I would say that this Pinot rides the fence of it's not all that compelling but still very drinkable. It's very simple and straightforward. Cherries, strawberries, some chalk, not much minerality and finishes with fruit that really doesn't shine. Ok yet disappointing vs. expectation/hope! It does darken up (blackberries & dark cherries) a bit and showed some smokiness & spices after an hour in the decanter.
I would say that this Pinot rides the fence of it's not all that compelling but still very drinkable. It's very simple and straightforward. Cherries, strawberries, some chalk, not much minerality and finishes with fruit that really doesn't shine. Ok yet disappointing vs. expectation/hope! It does darken up (blackberries & dark cherries) a bit and showed some smokiness & spices after an hour in the decanter.
Aug 7th, 2016
Still uber-tannic, which I knew could be a possibility given this winery. Still fun to try a mt veeder pinot. If tasted blind I would think it was an old Syrah.
Still uber-tannic, which I knew could be a possibility given this winery. Still fun to try a mt veeder pinot. If tasted blind I would think it was an old Syrah.
A ripe, rich Pinot that is still drinking we’ll.
A ripe, rich Pinot that is still drinking we’ll.
Nov 29th, 2017
Light & easy to drink but lacking in depth & flavor.
Light & easy to drink but lacking in depth & flavor.
Jul 4th, 2014
Nice pomegranate and hibiscus notes, wet stone, lean and a bit austere.
Nice pomegranate and hibiscus notes, wet stone, lean and a bit austere.
May 6th, 2014