Winemaker Notes
The inaugural release of the Martaella Vineyard Pinot Noir showcases the best of the Santa Rosa Plain area of the Russian River Valley. The climate is tempered by some fog intrusion, but this region enjoys warm days to allow for perfect maturity. Perfumed with red and purple flowers, the fruit elements combine to showcase an explosively aromatic wine. Planted on clay loam soils with volcanic and sedimentary elements, the wine highlights a lush tannin profile with cool, aromatic fruit undertones. Juicy and refreshing on the palate, it finishes with a sensation of black tea. Harmonious and impeccably balanced, this is a site to watch out for.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Sleek and juicy, with inviting plum puree and mulberry pâte de fruit flavors streaming along, carried by nicely embedded acidity and backed by hibiscus and rose notes. Reveals a late sanguine twinge, which lends a little intrigue to the 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.