Martinelli Estate Grown Pinot Noir 2021, Bondi Home Ranch Vineyard, Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

The Martinelli Family has been farming their estate vineyards for over 135 years, continuing their rich history and making them 6th generation wine growers and farmers. The Bondi Home Ranch sits at the southernmost tip of the Russian River Valley in the Green Valley AVA in Sebastopol. Lee Martinelli Sr. inherited this ranch from his uncle when it was still an apple orchard, and has since converted the 20 acres to Pinot Noir grapes. The vineyard is planted with eastern exposure, which promotes even ripening with all day sun. The cool breeze from the sea rises in the late afternoon, skimming along the distant bank of fog, relieving the vines from the afternoon heat and enhancing slower ripening. 2021 was the driest known year on record and was also the third year of drought conditions for Sonoma County. Contrary to these conditions, the summer was relatively cool and started two weeks later than the previous year. Despite being a very compact harvest, small clusters and berry size have yielded exceptional quality which makes 2021 a standout vintage. Tasting notes: Inviting aromas of black plum, sweet leather, and clean minerality greet you upon opening. The entry is slightly sweet with present tannins, along with integrated Oak spice, fig preserve, and black cherry. The multi-layered palate evolves through the long finish.