A sad note is that the 2003 Pinot Noir Reserve’s vineyard, planted in 1975, was finally uprooted and the land sold for a new housing development. The 2003 offers notes of raspberry fruit intermixed with cherries, apple skin, pomegranate, and smoky oak. This full-bodied, concentrated wine has loads of acidity, but also intense richness, making it one of the most concentrated Reserves the Martinellis have produced. It is no shy wine, topping the scales at 15% alcohol, but it is amazing stuff with explosive aromatics. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-9463

The 2002 Pinot Noir Martinelli Vineyard Reserve’s dark ruby/purple color is followed by a big, sweet perfume of ripe pomegranates intermixed with cherries, plums, raspberries, smoke, underbrush, and minerals. With good acidity, a big, powerful palate, and a long finish with no hard edges, it should drink well for 7-8 years. (Release date Fall 04) Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-0570

The 2001 Pinot Noir Martinelli Vineyard Reserve possesses abundant quantities of plum and raspberry fruit along with a sexy, sweet earthiness, high alcohol (15.3%), and a lusty finish. It should drink well for 4-6 years. Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-0570