2005 Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge
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Tasting notes
Brilliant ruby-red. Intense raspberry, rose and licorice aromas, with a tangy mineral accent. Seamless red and dark berry flavors show impressive depth and sweetness, gaining depth with air and taking a turn toward cherry without any loss of energy or focus. The tannins are completely absorbed by the suave fruit. Very creamy and sweet on the finish, with compelling depth and length. This simply refuses to quit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A real knock-out Pinot Noir in 2005 is the Blue Slide Ridge. This is always the most Richebourg-like of the wines, with a classic floral, herbal, blueberry nose intermixed with crushed rocks, a deep ruby/purple-tinged color, full body, wonderful sweetness, and moderate tannin in the finish. Unfortunately, there are only 175 cases. Kudos to the Martinelli family, one of the great old winemaking families of Northern California. (They also produce exquisite apples as well.) Not yet released. Previously recommended: 2004 Chardonnay Charles Ranch (91); 2004 Chardonnay Martinelli Road (94); 2004 Chardonnay Woolsey Road (92); 2004 Chardonnay Zio Tony Ranch (89?); 2004 Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge (92); 2004 Pinot Noir Bondi Home Ranch Water Trough Vineyard (89); 2004 Pinot Noir Moonshine Ranch (92); 2004 Pinot Noir Zio Tony Ranch (90); 2004 Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa (93); 2004 Jackass Vineyard (93); 2004 Jackass Hill Vineyard (95) Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-9463
About the producer
Martinelli is a Sonoma benchmark for vineyard-designate bottlings—wines built to highlight how strongly a single site can shape Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Across the range, the focus stays consistent: small-production bottlings that feel distinctly tied to where they’re grown.