Martinelli ‘Zio Tony Ranch’ Pinot Noir 2021 – 750ml Redneck Wine Company

96pts Jeb Dunnuck

Taking on a richer hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir Zio Tony Ranch is ripe and expressive with black cherry, dark wet stone, and anise. Full-bodied, it’s packed with ripe wild black raspberry, ripe tannins, and a bit of iron-rich earth. It has good structure and broad shoulders, with balanced acidity to hold it together. Cellar this another couple of years and drink it 2025-2035.

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.

95pts Wine Spectator

A fruit-driven red, with a large core of mulberry, blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors that fan out steadily, picking up light anise, fruitcake and incense notes along the way. Showy, but with a beautifully subtle mineral thread as well, which vibrates precisely just underneath the encore of fruit on the lengthy finish.

Winemaker Notes

Aromas of Blood Orange peel, wet earth, and blackberry preserves fill your nose. Balanced acidity upon the entry and the palate is enhanced with flavors of black cherry, hibiscus, and  raspberry tea. The finish is weighty and long and accompanied by flavors of orange peel.