Winemaker Notes
Pinot Noir from a famous vineyard not far from the Russian River proper is diligently farmed by the Martinelli family. A combination of two clones which were picked together and co-fermented – UCD 04 "Pommard" and Dijon Clone 828 (aka "Archery Summit" #2).
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A perfumed nose of redcurrants, cherries, forest-floor, bark and spice box. Medium body with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Fruity, juicy and crunchy. Succulent finish with excellent length.
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Wine Enthusiast
This Pinot is from a Martinelli-farmed property in the heart of the appellation, and it shows beautiful finesse and balance. Spicy cola notes meet a core of dark-cherry and berry flavor, with well-integrated oak and tannins, allowing the fruit to speak.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Pinot Noir Moonshine Ranch, matured 15 months in 80% new oak, has savory aromas of charcuterie, mossy bark, potpourri and cinnamon. The light-bodied palate is chalky and fresh with delicate, spicy flavors and a juicy, gently oak-laced 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.