Vineyard: Martinelli - Zio Tony

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Embarrassment of Riches: California (9.1 1/11/2012)
Recent Stops on the Pinot Trail (9.26 6/23/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted Wines (9.37 2/4/2014)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (10.40 10/20/2016)
Red Car Wine Company: Grab The Red Car to the Sonoma Coast (7.21 7/9/2009)
Sips of Recently Tasted Chardonnay (10.24 1/17/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Chardonnay (9.41 5/15/2014)
Russian River Valley Immersion Trip for the ¡Salud! Oregon Wine Auction (9.9 7/21/2012)
Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Other Wines (11.17 1/20/2018)
Prince’s Excellent Adventure at WOPN (6.56 3/23/2008)
¡Salud! 2013 Russian River Valley Immersion Trip Recap (9.36 1/20/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.13 11/12/2017)
Benovia Pinot Noir Full of Sunshine in 2016 Vintage (11.25 6/26/2018)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (& Chardonnay) (10.1 12/11/2014)

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Benovia Winery
Red Car Wine Co.
Martinelli Winery & Vineyards
Kosta Browne Winery
Patz & Hall

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Benovia Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.62, 1,087 cases, $42. Released April 2018. Sourced from Martaella Estate, Cohn Estate, Tilton Hill Estate, and Zio Tony Ranch vineyards. A blend of Calera, Swan, Pommard, Mt. Eden, Chalone, and Dijon 777 and 943 clones. 8-day cold soak, 100% de-stemmed into open-top fermenters for native yeast fermentation over 2 weeks. . Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 37% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of fresh blueberry, pomegranate and blackberry with a hint of toasty oak. Plush on the palate in a well-endowed style featuring blue and black berry fruits. Remarkable intensity in the mouth and on the finish. Sumptuous oak acts in harmony. Very welcoming now. An exceptionally good AVA wine following in the footsteps of the equally fine 2015 version. The wine does not have the concentration, intensity and finish of the other 2016 Benovia Pinot Noirs, but it can stand on its own as a special wine that will find widespread appeal. Score: 91. Reviewed June 29, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Benovia La Pommeraie Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $60. Sourced from the Zio Tony Ranch Vineyard that is located along the Laguna Ridge at the edge of the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA. The vineyard is farmed in conjunction with the Martinelli family. High density planting of 2,420 vines per acre, including clones 777 and “828.” The site was once an apple orchard so to pay homage to the history of the site the wine is named “La Pommeraie,” French for apple orchard. · Dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is flat-out terrific when allowed time and sampled a day ofter bottle opening. The perfume of blackberry, cassis and spice will bring you to your knees. A very polished wine in a mid weight plus style featuring waves of purple berry, blackberry, and plum fruits, accompanied by the right touch of spice and vanilla. There is very good structure, but the tannins are like suede. The long, succulent finish will bring you to your knees if the nose hasn't already. Score: 94-95. Reviewed June 29, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Benovia La Pommeraie Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.66, 305 cases, $48. Vineyard is located at edge of the Green Valley AVA and planted at a very high density of 2420 vines per acre. Dijon clone 548 and 95. A former apple orchard that struggles in deep sandy soils in one of the cooler sites in the Russian River Valley. Indigenous yeast fermentation in French oak barrels and aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas arrive nicely over time in the glass including crusty lemon pie, grilled pear and toasted brioche. Delish flavors of lemon, green apple, grilled pineapple and honey. Somewhat boldly fruited, but with cleansing, steely acidity on the long finish. Score: 93. Reviewed November 12, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Benovia La Pommeraie Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

300 cases, $60. Sourced from a vineyard farmed byGeorge Martinelli located on Frei Road. The vineyard was once an apple orchard, leading to the name “La Pommeraie,” French for “apple orchard.” The vineyard is planted to a very high density of 1 meter x 2 meters or 2420 vines per acre. Dijon 777 and “828.” · Deep, dark garnet color in the glass. Deep, dark garnet color in the glass. A highly nuanced perfume offers aromas of boysenberry, blackberry, dark rose petal, cardamom spice and underbrush. The gorgeous and core of sappy purple and black fruits is backed by toned and firm fruit tannins. Big as is typical for this vineyard, but focused and adroit, with a dreamy velvety texture and a very long and silky finish offering an added pleasing floral note. A perfect example of the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. An extraordinary wine that I had to re-taste from a second bottle to be sure. Score: 98. Reviewed June 4, 2017 WINERY »

2015 Martinelli Zio Tony Ranch “Grace Nicole” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

15.3% alc., $70. This vineyard is named after Lee Martinelli Sr.’s uncle. Zico means “uncle” in Italian and is pronounced “tseo.” At one time, this site was the largest apple orchard in Sonoma County. When Zico Tony passed away in 1971, his nephew, Lee Martinelli, Sr., took over management of the estate. This 45-acre vineyard was planted to Pinot Noir (115, 777 and “828”), Chardonnay and Syrah wine grapes in 2000, 2001 and 2006. Goldridge sandy loam soil. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of blackberry reduction sauce, spice, raisin and redwood forest. A mid weight plus styled wine that has a bit more vibrancy than the Bondi Home Ranch bottling and more Pinot charm. The sappy fruit flavors of blackberry and ollaliberry are engaged with a welcome spice note. Very silky in the mouth, with good balance, finishing with willing intensity. Unchanged when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed January 20, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Benovia La Pommeraie Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.58, 498 cases, $60. Released September 2016. Sourced from Zio Tony Vineyard, a former apple orchard located along the Laguna Ridge at the edge of the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA. High density plantings of Dijon clones 777 and “828.” 10-day cold soak, indigenous yeast fermentation lasting almost 3 weeks, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is rather primary, grudgingly offering scents of dark fruits, vanillin and toast. More appealing on the palate, with a mid weight plus core of luscious black fruits. Still a bit unyielding, but with a lush mouthfeel, and a persistent finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose was more giving and the fruit more vivid. A lush, fruit-driven wine, but not in a compote style. Score: 92. Reviewed October 19, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc., $38. Inaugural wine replacing the Napa Valley Chardonnay after 20 vintages. Released July 2014. Predominant sources include Zio Tony Ranch, Durell, Dutton Ranch, Parmalee Hill, Sun Chase, and Gap’s Crown vineyards. Whole cluster pressed, indigenous yeast fermentations, aged sur lie with weekly stirring, 100% malolactic fermentation in barrel. Aged in 35% new French oak barrels. · Moderate straw color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon, yellow applesauce, lemongrass and nutty oak. Lemon flavors drive the pleasure with hints of apple and melon. Slightly creamy on the palate with nicely integrated oak and a tart lemony finish. Easy to like. Score: 89. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Patz & Hall Zio Tony Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay

380 cases, $65. Released October 2015. This vineyard was planted by the Martinelli family in 1990. It is located in the heart of the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. 100% Dijon clone 76, grown in Goldridge sandy loam soils. Whole cluster pressed, indigenous yeast fermentation, aged on lees with weekly stirring, 100% malolactic fermentation in barrel, aged in 50% new French oak barrels, bottled without filtration. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. The nose is noticeably steely, with accessory aromas of lemon, green apple and peach syrup. A reserved, but pleasing style, with flavors of lemon curd and pear framed by juicy acidity, a slightly viscous mouthfeel, finishing with a lemon drop lift. Score: 90. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Benovia La Pommeraie Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 350 cases, $48. Sourced from George Martinelli Vineyard (Zio Tony) located at the edge of the Green Valley AVA. The vineyard is planted at a very high density of 2420 vines per acre to Dijon clones 548 and 95. The site was once an apple orchard, so Benovia pays homage to the Martinelli family and the history of the site by naming the wine ‘La Poommeraie’ - French for apple orchard. Indigenous yeast fermentation, 100% malolactic fermentation, and aged sur lie for 16 months in 40% new French oak barrel. · Light golden straw color in the glass. The perfume of pear, caramel and toffee leads to a rich, full, smooth palate of lemon curd, pear and spice flavors. A luscious Russian River Valley style Chardonnay that offers plenty of pleasure. Score: 91. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Benovia La Pommeraie Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 375 cases, $56. Sourced from George Martinelli Vineyard (Zio Tony). This dry-farmed vineyard is planted to Dijon 777 and “828.” · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, forest floor and a touch of rose petal. Full-bodied charge of boysenberry, black raspberry and black cherry fruit awakens the palate and expands through a decadent finish where the fruit hangs on tenaciously. Despite its richness, the wine is sleek and polished, with excellent integration of oak. Well-done in this “New World style.” Score: 92. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Kosta Browne One Sixteen Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.4% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.61, $58. Grapes sourced from Boudreaux, Charles Ranch, El Diablo, Heintz, Searby, Ulises Valdez and Zio Tony vineyards. Multiple clones. 93% barrel fermented and aged in 41% new French oak, 7% concrete fermented. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, orange blossom, lychee and buttery brioche. Creamy and full on the palate, with layers of flavor including lemon cake, lime, nectarine, caramel, and honey, finishing with some length and uplifting acidity. A decadent, succulent style that will find appeal. Score: 90. Reviewed May 15, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Benovia La Pommeraie Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc.. Dijon clones. · Light straw color in the glass. Opens slowly over time revealing aromas of baked pear and nutty oak. A bit bigger than the AVA Chardonnay, with a more seductive smooth and slightly creamy mouth feel. Nicely flavored with notes of apple, pineapple and lemon backed by bright acidity. Still a bit awkward and needs more time in bottle. Good to Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Benovia La Pommeraie Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 400 cases. Sourced from Martinelli’s Zio Tony Vineyard with yields of 2 tons per acre. Clones 777 and “828.” · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Terrific aromatics that make you really sit up and take notice. Scents of black raspberry, plum reduction sauce, and rose petals. The most intensely flavored and concentrated Pinot Noir in this vintage but still very approachable, largely due to restrained tannins and bright acidity. A special wine already. Very good (+). Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Benovia La Pommeraie Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 275 cases, $48. The name of the vineyard is French for “apple orchard,” and this wine definitely has an apple flavored theme. Dijon clones 548 and 95 from Zio Tony Vineyard. · Aromas of lemon, pear and nutty oak. Well-endowed with flavors of lemon curd, apple, pineapple backed by lively acidity, and a hint of toasty, caramelized oak on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Benovia La Pommeraie Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 400 cases, $56. Sourced from Martinelli’s Zio Tony Vineyard. Dijon clones 777 and “828”. · The aromatics are stunning, with bright scents of black cherry, black raspberry and blueberry. Richly flavored with plenty of lip-smacking sap, but very approachable due to supple tannins and refreshing acidity. A special wine to be enjoyed now or can easily age 5 to 7 years. Score: 92. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Patz & Hall Zio Tony Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 324 cases, $60. This vineyard was planted by the Martinelli family in 1990 on Frei Road in Green Valley. Patz & Hall has made wine from this vineyard since 2003. 100% Dijon clone 76. Whole cluster pressed, indigenous yeast fermentation, aged sur lie with weekly stirring, 100% MLF in barrel, aged in 65% new French oak barrels. Bottled without filtration. · Moderate golden yellow color with a slight haze in the glass. Lovely perfume of lemon curd, pineapple, golden apple and hazelnuts. Medium bodied and full-flavored featuring tastes of green apple and citrus, with a complimentary accent of oak in the background. Vibrant and energetic, with a spark of citrus-driven acidity on the refreshing finish. Score: 91. Reviewed February 4, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Benovia La Pommeraie Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

From the dry-farmed Zio Tony Vineyard including clones 828 and 777. Tends to be a big wine. · Demure aromas of dark berries and exotic spices. Luxurious and soft on the palate, with generous and bold flavors of perfectly ripe blackberries, wrapped in firm tannins. Very young and unevolved. Very good. Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Benovia La Pommeraie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

250 cases. From the Zio Tony Vineyard owned and farmed by George Martinelli, planted to high-density Dijon clones. Aged in 40% new French oak. Vineyard was once an apple orchard. · Tropical, exotic fruit aromas. Delicious flavors of pineapple, white peach and citrus, persisting on the long finish. Commendable acid spine that is nicely folded in to the entire fruit mix. Very good (+). Reviewed July 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Patz & Hall Zio Tony Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 592 cases, $60. This vineyard, planted in 1990, is owned and farmed by the Martinelli family and is planted to Dijon clones 76 and 95 on well-drained, low-vigor, Goldridge sandy loam soils. · Light straw color in the glass. Aromas of citrus, almond paste, fig, soy and polished wood. Moderately intense flavors of yellow stone fruits, and citrus with roasted nuts and spice in the background. Soft on the palate with a very good cut of acidity and impressive persistence on the dry finish. Very good. Reviewed January 11, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Red Car Trolley Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 733 cases, $45. Sourced from three Sonoma Coast vineyards: Zio Tony (60%), La Boheme (25%) in Occidental and Bartolomei (15%) in Forestville. Aged in 57% new French oak barrels. · A darkly fruited wine with aromas of black grapes and berries with a touch of smoke, and deep flavors of black raspberries with an underpinning of oak. Silky mouth feel, complimentary lift of acidity, and a pleasing finish. Reviewed July 9, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Red Car Zio Tony Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Barrel sample. Red Car is expanding its offerings to three vineyard designates from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley. · Where once they were known for a California Neuvo style (that is, heavily extracted and endowed), the wines have taken on more elegance and complexity. Barrel samples are always tricky, but the Zio Tony was very showy with luscious black cherry fruit. Reviewed March 23, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »