Bobby Fetzer, one of Mendocino County’s most experienced grape growers, bought the Masút Ranch in 1996.  Intrigued with a hillside site of fast draining soil, desirable sun exposure and marine influenced winds, he chose Pinot Noir for this special location.  He and sons Ben and Jake planted a 23-acre vineyard here in 1997.  Having identified 13 separate blocks, each with its unique slope and contour, they selected appropriate clones:  113, 115 and 777. 

 

The undulating vineyard is located along a gap in the coastal mountains.  Cool, moist air flows from the Pacific Ocean during summer nights, lowering the temperature of the vines.  Because elevation, terrain, soil and climate are unique to this area, Ben, Jake and local grape growers have petitioned the TTB to create a new AVA:  Eagle Peak (named after the most prominent peak in this mountainous region).

 

The vineyard lends itself to small block farming and the production of highest quality fruit.  Each of the blocks has particular needs during the growing season, and each ripens at a different time.  “We do everything by hand:  pruning, thinning, canopy management and harvesting,” says Vineyard Manager Jake Fetzer.  Farming practices are organic. 

 

Hand harvest occurs at night.  “It is better for the picking crews and the grapes,” says Jake.  The cool grapes travel a mere mile to the estate winery.  Their low temperature inhibits spontaneous fermentation and moderates the amount of energy used to chill the grapes before cold soaking.  Hand work and attention to detail continue in the winery to produce expressive, estate Pinot Noir.