Tuesday, March 24, 2009

2006 Martinelli Pinot Noir, Lolita Ranch

Although many fine Pinot Noirs are produced all along the California coast (and Oregon), my clear favorites are the ones that come from vineyards in the Russian River Valley and the "true" Sonoma Coast AVA's. This Martinelli pinot is a single-vineyard wine from one of their Russian River vineyards. The cost was $60. The production of this wine, and all other Martinelli wines, was supervised by Helen Turley. The wine has that silky, seamless quality you find in any Pinot Noir she has had a hand in making. The focused aromas of ripe cherries and wet earth are supported by subtle oak. The supple flavors are all about ripe fruit balanced with good structure and lively acidity. Parker gives this wine a 94 and that seems reasonable to me. A note on alcohol level, which seems to be a big point of contention today. This wine has an elevated alcohol content, but I suspect a person would not suspect that unless he or she looked at the bottle label. I guess it is all about balance.

The only downside to Martinelli wines is that all of the single-vineyard wines are allocated, so you will have to sign up to be on a waiting list. But, when you are finally on their mailing list, you will also be offered some of their delectable Zinfandels, Chardonnays and Syrahs - they are all beautifully crafted wines.

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