Lee Martinelli Sr. inherited this ranch from his uncle when it was still an apple orchard. It has since been converted into a 20-acre Pinot Noir vineyard sitting at the southernmost tip of the Russian River Valley in the Green Valley AVA in Sebastopol. Planted with an eastern exposure, the vineyard enjoys even ripening with the all-day sunshine. Cool breezes rise off the ocean in the late afternoon, relieving the vines from the afternoon heat and enhancing slower ripening.

The 2019 growing season was very cool, with record rainfall in Sonoma County in February. However, this had little effect on the vines because they were still dormant. The rest of the growing season echoed 2018 with moderate temperatures prevailing in spring and summer. Interestingly, both years had the harvesting happen on the same day, September 10th.

Color: Deep Garnet, semi-opaque.
Aromatics: Initial impressions of earth and dark chocolate candy.
Taste Profile: Flavors of candied fruit, chocolate-covered strawberries; silky texture; round “curvy wine”; deep, long flavors with perfect balance across the palate.
Food Pairings: Standing rib roast, richly marbled meats

By Don Clemens