Winemaker Notes
Luscious aromas of boysenberry, Santa Rosa plum and black cherry yield to concentrated cranberry and black fruit notes on the palate with a polished mouthfeel that is exceptionally balanced by ample acidity on the finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
From the Martinelli-family-farmed Zio Tony Ranch, this lush, opulent red is spicy and stemmy, with wild, earthy notes of forest floor and black tea. Citrus and strawberry components provide a contrast of freshness and lively youthfulness, buoyed by structured tannin weight and toasted oak.
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Wine Spectator
There's rich ripeness to the concentrated cherry, red plum and raspberry flavors, showing accents of dried mint and tarragon. The vibrant finish features hints of hot spices that give this added verve.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.