Martinelli

Moonshine Ranch Pinot Noir

9.2123 ratings
9.025 pro ratings
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Pinot Noir
Cheddar & Gruyere, Tomato-Based, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Goat & Feta Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, White Fish, Salads & Greens, Meaty & Oily Fish, Fruit Desserts, Shellfish
Top Notes For
Donald Patz

Owner/Winemaker Patz & Hall

9.2

A LOT better than I had expected for an 18 year old Pinot Noir. Moonshine Ranch is still alive and kicking. Filled with exotic jam and berry and smoky notes.

A LOT better than I had expected for an 18 year old Pinot Noir. Moonshine Ranch is still alive and kicking. Filled with exotic jam and berry and smoky notes.

Nov 19th, 2018
Shay A
9.4

Probably my surprise of the night. Would have never guessed it was 14yrs young. Very youthful. Deep red in the glass with explosive aromatics full of rhubarb pie, lingonberry, black tea and nutmeg. Nice acidity carrying this. Secondary notes of sandalwood, herbal spice and tar.

Probably my surprise of the night. Would have never guessed it was 14yrs young. Very youthful. Deep red in the glass with explosive aromatics full of rhubarb pie, lingonberry, black tea and nutmeg. Nice acidity carrying this. Secondary notes of sandalwood, herbal spice and tar.

Aug 18th, 2018
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Ripe blackberries, creamy raspberries, strawberries, cranberry juice, pomegranate, red vine licorice, black earth, crushed rocks, light white pepper, cinnamon, oak just right. Juicy, resolved finish.

Ripe blackberries, creamy raspberries, strawberries, cranberry juice, pomegranate, red vine licorice, black earth, crushed rocks, light white pepper, cinnamon, oak just right. Juicy, resolved finish.

1 person found it helpfulDec 5th, 2015
Donald Patz

Owner/Winemaker Patz & Hall

9.3

Very ripe. Deep flavors.

Very ripe. Deep flavors.

1 person found it helpfulAug 3rd, 2015
Charlie Evans

Had actually never tried this before. Would have had no idea this was 14.8% alcohol without looking at the label. Ton of acidity to balance this wine out with a bunch of fruit on the front end. Well done.

Had actually never tried this before. Would have had no idea this was 14.8% alcohol without looking at the label. Ton of acidity to balance this wine out with a bunch of fruit on the front end. Well done.

Jan 6th, 2017
M. Ventre

The throwbacks continue...awesome turkey day wine number one. Bright aromatics, copious Russian river fruit and spice. Hedonist Pinot. Deceptively balanced despite the ABV.

The throwbacks continue...awesome turkey day wine number one. Bright aromatics, copious Russian river fruit and spice. Hedonist Pinot. Deceptively balanced despite the ABV.

Jan 25th, 2016
Jörgen Lindström Carlvik

Owner, Brix Wine Consultants

8.7

It smells like a PN/Syrah mixture where sweet red berries has been macerated in meat stock and cherry liquor and then aged in American oak. I know it's not true, but you get the picture, right? Rounded off tannins, nice acidity and spice flavors are framed by toasty oak and candied citrus flavors. While short, it does manage to hide most of its lofty alcohol. Speaks more of the winemaker that of either variety or place.

It smells like a PN/Syrah mixture where sweet red berries has been macerated in meat stock and cherry liquor and then aged in American oak. I know it's not true, but you get the picture, right? Rounded off tannins, nice acidity and spice flavors are framed by toasty oak and candied citrus flavors. While short, it does manage to hide most of its lofty alcohol. Speaks more of the winemaker that of either variety or place.

Dec 15th, 2015
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Blackberries, boysenberries, cooked rhubarb, candied strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, raspberry licorice, nutmeg, cinnamon, Lipton tea, dark earth, chalk, irony minerals and long smooth elegant finish.

Blackberries, boysenberries, cooked rhubarb, candied strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, raspberry licorice, nutmeg, cinnamon, Lipton tea, dark earth, chalk, irony minerals and long smooth elegant finish.

Dec 12th, 2015
Jörgen Lindström Carlvik

Owner, Brix Wine Consultants

9.2

I'll immediately admit that the alcohol on the finish is disturbing, but before that you will be amazed about the opulent yet still surprisingly aromatic nose where dark fruit and tar alongside toasty oak take centre stage. Spicy, rich and close to full-bodied on the palate, the freshness and purity of fruit is striking. Lingering finish where licorice and charcoal emerge. And then... See the beginning. But at 10+ years old, you should treasure it if you own some.

I'll immediately admit that the alcohol on the finish is disturbing, but before that you will be amazed about the opulent yet still surprisingly aromatic nose where dark fruit and tar alongside toasty oak take centre stage. Spicy, rich and close to full-bodied on the palate, the freshness and purity of fruit is striking. Lingering finish where licorice and charcoal emerge. And then... See the beginning. But at 10+ years old, you should treasure it if you own some.

Dec 4th, 2015
Rollie Wright

Sales Wine Spectrum

9.4

The nose was AMAZING!

The nose was AMAZING!

Jun 10th, 2015