After my one night stand with Gary Farrell’s Pinot Noir from McDonald Mountain Vineyard, I was ready to settle down by the time I got to Martaella Vineyard. And it is a more settled type of wine, with more body and gravitas.
This is pinot noir with many of the better elements of California wines: it has fruit and body, but they don’t overwhelm the delicacy of the aromas and structure. After a wisp of purple flowers, smoke wreaths through the aroma. Bright cherry fruit emerges on the palate, both red and dark cherry. A buttery feel conjoins light tannins in the structure, and acid takes second place on the palate and in the still-fruity finish. And the wine lasted for several days, pairing with a number of different dishes for dinners.
FOOD PAIRING: Versatile
WHO: Gary Farrell Winery
WHAT: 100% Pinot Noir
WHERE: Sonoma, California
HOW MUCH: around $65
RATING: 91