Winemaker Notes
Planted to one of the highest density spacings in the Russian River Valley, the wine showcases power, grace and elegance. The nose leads with notes of black cherry and raspberry that meld into hints of Earl Grey tea to offer a kaleidoscope of aromas. A dried flower note further adds complexity. The palate is equally sensational with red and black fruit flavors that transition to excellent acid verve that ultimately give way to a substantial, yet refined tannin structure.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The youthful ripe ruby-colored 2022 Pinot Noir Martaella Vineyard displays a fresher approach. From a vineyard owned by the Benovia winery, Williams Selyem started making this wine as a vineyard designate in 2021. The nose is fantastic, with aromas of Amarena cherries, crushed violets, and mossy earth, and it has fantastic, mouthwatering acidity, with fine tannins and a terrific, citrus-toned finish. Rating: 95+
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Pinot Noir Martaella Vineyard is bursting with wild berry jam aromas and nuances of black tea leaves, licorice, lavender, orange peel and amaro. The medium-bodied palate is spicy and complex. It’s structured by finely astringent tannins and bright acidity and has a long, layered finish.
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Wine Spectator
This pulls you in with its alluring core of mulberry, boysenberry and red licorice notes, all inlaid with briar, singed spice and apple wood accents, while a flash of potpourri through the finish offers lift.
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Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of crushed black cherry, cocoa and violets ease out on the nose of this slightly reserved Pinot. The palate brings on flavors of blackberry, Bing cherry, bitter chocolate, fried shiitake and Darjeeling tea before heading into a finish dominated by purple flowers and raspberry-lime acidity.
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.