Blue Slide Ridge

Blue Slide Ridge is named for its magnificent formations of blue rock. Directly below the vineyard a sheer cliff drops into the small winding “Marshall Creek”, showing off great cerulean shards jutting out from beneath the earth’s surface. In 1995 Lee Sr. and Carolyn Martinelli planted this six acre vineyard of Pinot Noir on a steep slope, under the guidelines of Helen Turley. This site was once prime grazing land for sheep, located on the second ridge inland from the Pacific coastline.

The 2022 season started out with ideal conditions with early rains helping to push bud break into Spring. While we encountered instances of shatter (a grape berry fails to develop because of incomplete pollination) due to frost, this was limited to specific vineyards. Meticulous attention was given to addressing this issue, as we diligently assessed each block and thinned any clusters affected by shatter. Thankfully, the summer months offered the optimal combination of warm days and perfectly cool nights. However, Labor Day weekend launched what has been marked as one of the most heat-intensive 7-day periods on record for Sonoma County, resulting in a significant number of vineyards reaching their ripening stage simultaneously.

Complex aromas of red raspberry, blueberry, and crushed stones are found in the nose. Rich and brooding, the palate has flavors of black cherry and warming spices. Completed well-structured finish and flavors of ripe plumb and rooibos tea.