2007 Martinelli Pinot Noir Lolita Ranch
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Tasting notes
Saturated red. Pungent aromas of dark berries, cherry, dried flowers and licorice. Youthfully brooding, offering deep black and blue fruit flavors and smoky incense and potpourri character. Die-hard fans of graceful pinot won't go for this, but I do. The floral and licorice notes gain strength on the long, strikingly spicy finish. This could handle a piece of grilled lamb with ease.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The outstanding 2007 Pinot Noir Lolita Ranch (made from Dijon Clones 667 and 777) reveals notes of forest floor, blueberries, black cherries, and crushed rocks. It is full-bodied with deep, broad savory flavors, ripe tannin, outstanding length and purity, and a lush finish. It should drink well for 5-7 years. Martinelli’s Zinfandel portfolio continues to grow, with as many as five different offerings now available. The 2006 and 2007 Jackass Hill Vineyard cuvees were not tasted at this visit. However, the other four wines I tasted, all from steep hillside vineyard sites with the newer plantings planted from bud wood of both the Jackass Hill and Jackass vineyards, were brilliant. They are among the fullest-bodied, headiest, most distinctive Zinfandels made in California. Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-9463
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.