2007 Pinot Noir Zio Tony Ranch
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Tasting notes
Vivid red. Drop-dead bouquet of raspberry and blackberry preserves, with fresh rose and smoky Indian spice qualities adding complexity. Deeply concentrated red and dark berry flavors stain the palate, with velvety tannins giving shape to the wine. A big, forceful pinot that manages to be improbably graceful in spite of its sheer size. The finish strongly repeats the sweet red fruit and spice notes and refuses to let go of the palate. This could handle a piece of peppery grilled steak with ease.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Another impressive effort is the dark ruby-hued 2007 Pinot Noir Zio Tony Ranch. Sweet cherry, raspberry, and spice box as well as a mineral component are present in this dark ruby-colored wine. Full-bodied and nicely layered with good purity, depth, and equilibrium, it can be drunk over the next 5-6 years. Martinelli’s Zinfandel portfolio continues to grow, with as many as five different offerings now available. The 2006 and 2007 Jackass Hill Vineyard cuvees were not tasted at this visit. However, the other four wines I tasted, all from steep hillside vineyard sites with the newer plantings planted from bud wood of both the Jackass Hill and Jackass vineyards, were brilliant. They are among the fullest-bodied, headiest, most distinctive Zinfandels made in California. 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.