The 2009 Zinfandel Vellutini Ranch is a deep, plush wine loaded with black cherries, plums, tobacco, incense, licorice and sweet spices. It shows tremendous depth and persistence throughout. Silky tannins frame a finish laced with chocolate, mocha and licorice. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Martinelli is one of the original pioneering families in Sonoma. I tasted a wide range of wines during a recent visit. The 2008 Syrahs, from a challenging vintage, are a bit up and down, but the rest of the wines are all outstanding. As always, these are fairly bold, extroverted wines, but their overall balance is typically superb. Tel. (707) 525-0570