Winemaker Notes
Vibrant fruit and spice aromas and layered texture. Aromas are dominated by red fruit tones of black cherry and boysenberry, while black fruits dominate on the palate. The vibrant aromas expand and give way to red plum, toasted brioche and allspice. On the palate the wine has integrated acidity and fine tannins that should allow for mid-term cellaring. As always the wine was bottled without fining or filtration.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
From several of the producer's estate sites, as well as the Zio Tony Ranch farmed by the Martinelli family, this wine exudes rich, velvety blue and black fruit flavors within a context of firm tannins and integrated oak. Dots of white pepper and cardamom complete the complex experience. Editors’ Choice
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James Suckling
There’s an earthy and spicy thread to this cherry-scented pinot with attractive ripe fruit, delivering a fullish shape on the palate. Chalky tannins. Drink or hold.
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.