2021 Benovia Martaella Pinot Noir [D96]

Producer: Benovia 
Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California 
Varietal: Pinot Noir 
Year: 2021 

Decanter, 96 Points 

"The Martaella Vineyard is Benovia's estate vineyard directly in front of the winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley. In the remarkable 2021 vintage, Mike Sullivan has taken advantage of the dry winter and mild spring, fashioning some of the most robust, potent and structured Pinot Noirs of his tenure. These are characteristically well endowed but with the dial turned up to 10. The dark fruit aromatics and heady perfumed florals are intermixed with spicy cedar wood, intense and leaning savoury. There's an immediacy of concentration and depth, which rolls over the palate in waves, underscored by velvety tannins, lifted by salt stone and slate minerality. Incredibly compact and tight at first but builds in volume and stature toward a savoury denouement from which rich earth, dark chocolate, and fog-soaked conifer emerge to find lightness and energy. It's a fantastic wine, delicious now, and perfect for long-term cellaring." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"Deep ruby in color, vine-ripened boysenberries, Bing cherries, and baking spice aromas almost leap from the glass.  On the palate the wines juicy mouthfeel is supported by raspberry and ripe plum, building through the mid-palate to the fine grain tannins on the finish.  An intriguing blend of power and restraint, this Pinot Noir is both savory and delicately sweet." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.