Vineyards & Vintage Notes

First planted to wine grapes in 2000, the former apple orchard is named after Lee Martinelli Sr.'s uncle, Tony Bondy, "Zio Tony," a gregarious figure who loved to have a good time. The vineyard, located along the Laguna Ridge at the edge of the Russian River Valley's cooler climate Green Valley, is situated on rolling hills that are comprised of Goldridge soils. The vines deliver grapes that are intensely fruit-forward and complex while retaining the bright natural acidity that is a hallmark of this renowned growing area. 2021 was a spectacular vintage. It was a drought year, so Mother Nature was responsible for trimming yields and producing a plentiful and beautifully balanced crop. The summer months gave us perfectly moderate ripening weather with very few heat spikes, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly while yielding excellent hang time to develop lots of flavor and produce world-class wines.

Tasting Notes

Our first vintage from this classic vineyard farmed by the Russian River Valley pioneers, the Martinelli family, charms from first whiff. Bright, brambly blackberry and raspberry aromas are swirled with warm baking spices like a pie fresh from grandma's oven, inviting the senses to sit and stay a while to enjoy this light-to-medium bodied wine as it embraces the palate with raspberry coulis and berry fruit. Lively acididy brings a satisfying freshness through the finish of this comforting Pinot Noir.