Description
Mason Cellars was founded in Oakville, California in 1993 by Randy and Megan Mason. Family-owned and operated to this day, it is their vision to produce the highest quality wine possible, that is consumer friendly, and available to their customers at a fair market price. Their goal is to create wines that can be readily enjoyed and shared by family and friends. With over 35 years of winemaking in the Napa Valley, Randy is the master behind the wine. Randy Mason has long been recognized by the wine industry as being one of the best Sauvignon Blanc producers in the country. A pioneer in California Sauvignon Blanc, the Mason Sauvignon Blanc set the standard for domestic producers to strive for, with their inaugural release (1996) receiving an unprecedented 91 points from Wine Spectator. Building on the success and groundwork laid by the Mason Sauvignon Blanc, Randy and Megan started to develop a Sauvignon Blanc house with the launch of Pomelo in 2004. A fun and playful spin on California Sauvignon Blanc; Pomelo is a wild success among consumers and press alike. To balance out their Sauvignon Blanc collection, the inaugural 2005 Mason Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is rich, with an expressive style produced from a 35 year old pristine vineyard sitting on a volcanic cinder cone in Sonoma Valley. And finally, after listening to his customers and distributors, Mason decided to produce their first ever Pinot Grigio, called Three Pears; crafted in a light, spirited fashion. It has been extremely well received by the Mason aficionados and a pleasant addition to the Mason family. With the increase in production and expansion into new and exciting brands (Pomelo and Three Pears), the Mason’s longed to showcase their wines in a casual atmosphere all their own. In the winter of 2006, they opened the Mason Cellars Oxbow Tasting Room in downtown Napa with complimentary tastings of their entire collection of red and white wines, all made by Randy Mason, set in a cozy country atmosphere featuring local artists’ paintings and other wine country mercantile goods.
Primarily sourced from Lake County, Pomelo’s characteristic grapefruit profile is consistently found in our blocks situated on the Kelseyville bench. With an elevation of nearly 1300’, the growing season is long, with ample hours of sunshine and great diurnal temperature fluctuations- all responsible for the explosive flavors found in Pomelo. We also source a small percentage from an old, established block in Lodi- amazing balance and texture, the Sauvignon Blanc sourced from this region is grapefruit pith with a weightiness contributing to the mid-palette. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Fermented in all stainless steel tanks; extremely long and cold ferment allows for the fragrant and big fruit flavors to be appreciated. The crisp acidity is retained and then rounded out and complimented by a broadened mouth and ever-slight sweetness.
Wine Spectator 90 points РGraceful, with fragrant orange blossom, ruby grapefruit and white peach flavors that are fresh and lively, set on a light, lithe body. Appealing lime zest and passion fruit accents show on the long finish. Drink now. 38,000 cases made. -MW Rated #40 in Wine Spectator’s 2015 Top 100. November/2015
