2015 Martinelli, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast.
This is no wimpy pink, this Martinelli has a full flavored mouth feel and at 14.9% is not lean, but remarkably fresh and vibrant, even if you’d want to be sure to drink it before the end of the year to be sure you catch it in it’s most vivid frame. The Martinelli’s are some of the hardest working and nice people in the wine business, I have nothing but great things to say about them and their wines and I think the wines have maintained their style and quality, even after the retirement of long time consultant Helen Turley. On a recent pop in visit I was treated to a smart and tasty lineup of wines, I admit it is hard to drink the 16% plus alcohol wines these days, though non were lacking in style and detail, maybe Martinelli is just more truthful in their percent of alcohol on the label than many would have you believe! The Rosé of Pinot Noir from west of the west Sonoma Coast fruit bursts from the glass with a really gorgeous hue and fresh strawberry, with bright citrusy focus and rhubarb tangy tartness along with pink grapefruit, wet stones, wild herbs, kirsch water, rosewater and juicy watermelon. I bought two bottles, really, it is so fun and lively I couldn’t resist and I bought a new Zinfandel, the Vigneto di Evo, a lower alcohol, I mean under 15%, entry level (red label) Zin that really stood out! The service and grace at Martinelli makes it a great place to visit in the Russian River, and of course the wines, and as a bonus, they poured a couple of 2009 Syrah bottlings, of which I was really impressed with the sexy and earthy complex Zio Tony Ranch “Gianna Marie” that showed black olive, game, spice and deep blueberry/cassis density. I usually grab a few bottles of Rochioli Rosé, this year I didn’t get them, but I’m thrilled to have found the Martinelli Rosé and will be drinking these up quick in the August heat!
($25 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
