2021 Martinelli Syrah Vellutini Ranch
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Syrah Vellutini Ranch takes significant time in the glass to reveal scents of blueberries, baked plums, juniper and violet. The medium-bodied palate is plush and inviting with detailed, floral fruit and bright acidity. It has a long, latent finish and will benefit from 3-5+ years in the cellar. Only 94 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Syrah Vellutini Ranch is more brightly colored in the glass, with a purple/magenta hue, and is lifted with notes of black raspberries, blackberries, sweet flowers, black pepper oils (more lifted here), fresh lavender, and gravelly earth. With more lift on the nose, this elegant and refined red is plush on the palate, with ripe tannins and an even, polished texture. Drink 2025-2037. One of the most historic names in Sonoma, the Martinellis are sixth-generation winegrowers based in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Prolific farmers, all of their wines come from estate-grown fruit, with 90% of the grapes sold off to other wineries. In addition to focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they also produce Zinfandel, Syrah, and Muscat of Alexandria. Courtney Robinett Wagoner joined the team in 2015 as the assistant winemaker before being promoted to winemaker in 2017.
The 2021 Syrah Vellutini Ranch is a rich, full-throttle offering. Blackberry, licorice, cloves and spice race across the palate. Huge, incisive tannins wrap it all together, while bright acids drive the finish. This is a style built on late picking.
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.