Winemaker Notes
Lively aromas of plum, boysenberry and Bing cherry followed by nutmeg and baking spice. An intriguing blend of both power and restraint, the palate expresses profound notes of cranberry and pomegranate reinforced by a savory mouthfeel from refined tannins and structure.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Earth, black tea, black cherry and a tightness of refined tannin spark on the palate of this wine, from an estate-grown site planted to heirloom clones. Nuanced layers of rich, dense, powerful intensity build to a wild finish of black pepper and cardamom.
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Wine Spectator
Explosively fruity and rich tasting, with concentrated red currant, plum and raspberry flavors, backed by crunchy acidity. Mineral and savory accents linger on the finish, with focused freshness.
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James Suckling
Lots of smoky oak and dried berries with some dark chocolate. It’s full and chewy with intensity and power. A little tight now.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Pinot Noir Martaella, medium ruby-purple in color, opens with cranberries and blackberries, orange peel, dried flowers and spices. The palate is medium-bodied, soft and juicy with spicy fruits and a perfumed finish.
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.