The 2009 Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge is one of the most exotic and unique Pinots being made in Sonoma today. Sweet exotic spices, mint, dried flowers, black cherries and plums are some of the notes that flow from this plush, resonant Pinot. The 2009 Blue Slide needs several years to soften, but it is striking even today. This Blue Slide Ridge is a big, big wine, but it also possesses stunning depth and complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. 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