2005 Martinelli Bella Vigna Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA

[wondersofwine]

14.7% alcohol. From a 375 ml. bottle.
Dark purple color. Recognizable RRV terroir with plum and dark berries on the nose and palate. Mouth-filling with a lengthy finish. The fruit speaks louder than the savory notes, but they add another flavor layer. (Dried fennel or dried herbs? red licorice?) May be at its peak now. I had this with baked pork chop in mushroom sauce. I believe it could also pair with rabbit or perhaps roasted fowl with a blackberry or plum sauce. I visited Martinelli Winery again on my October visit to Sonoma County and purchased a bottle of Zinfandel on this trip.