2021 Martinelli Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is fresh and spicy with ripe red cherry, cinnamon stick, and wooded earth. On the palate, this medium-bodied red is ripe and juicy, with classic appeal in its notes of wild raspberries, pressed roses, and cola spices. It is approachable, with nice purity, a silky texture, and mouth-filling fruit. A good value, drink this well-balanced red over the next several years. 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.
Critic scores
Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com
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.