Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes: Medium-deep reddish garnet in color, this Pinot Noir offers an expressive nose of ripe red cherries, boysenberries, and raspberries, layered with dusty earth, spice notes of clove and cinnamon, and delicate floral hints of rose. Subtle undertones of cola, minerals, and a touch of oak and vanilla add further complexity. Medium-bodied with excellent concentration, the palate is smooth and well-balanced, showcasing flavors of red cherries, mulberries, and cranberries alongside nuanced spice and mineral elements. A lingering finish completes the wine, which is already drinking beautifully but has the potential to evolve further with age.

Producer: Maritana Vineyards, established in 2017 by esteemed vintner Donald Patz, specializes in crafting exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines from California's Russian River Valley. Drawing upon over four decades in the wine industry, Patz leverages his extensive relationships with top grape growers to source fruit from some of the region's most coveted vineyard sites. This strategic approach underscores Maritana's commitment to producing wines that embody the unique terroir and character of the Russian River Valley.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The 2018 'Martaella Vineyard' Pinot Noir is sourced from the esteemed Martaella Vineyard, located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. This vineyard benefits from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley, ensuring slow and even ripening of the grapes. The winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention to preserve the purity of the fruit, resulting in a Pinot Noir that showcases the vineyard's unique microclimate and soil composition.