WineLovers Discussion Group

2005 Martinelli Syrah, Lolita Ranch,RRV: Opaque black-purple to a purple-violet edge. Candied plum and blackberry liqueur, plush floral tones and lean mineral elements on the succulent nose. Rich, thickly veiled entry to a rich center where black licorice notes vie with highly extracted blackberry-plum fruit, firm mineral tones and bright berry acidity lend focus with broad-grained oak and firm, fine tannins forming the edges, the finish goes on and on.

Quite surprised by the quality of this wine. Definitely a fruit bomb, but so well balanced and with superb length and depth. Sadly my only bottle.

Martinelli wines are not for everyone but I found them well made and some even age surprisingly well given their high alcohol levels. I still have one Martinelli PN left that is the 2002 Blue Slide Ridge that I hope to open in the fall and have high hopes for as the 2001 was great at about a decade and much better than when originally released.