With sweet and very fragrant aromas capturing your nose with black cherry, raspberry, and clean earth. The lively entry gives you a full palate of flavors of black raspberry, pomegranate, and a touch of barrel spice in the juicy finish.
The Zio Tony Ranch is named after Lee Sr.’s uncle Tony who was the first in the Bondi family to be born on American soil. Zio Tony, Zio meaning ‘uncle’ in Italian and pronounced ‘tseo’, was a very charismatic man with a big booming voice whom loved a good time. When Zio Tony passed away in 1971 his nephew, Lee Martinelli, Sr., took over management of the estate. The love of his family’s heritage land was too great for Lee to sell the property and in one short season he went from High School teacher to Apple Farmer. Eventually this apple orchard was converted to vineyards, as the market for apples grew unbearably soft. The vines are planted on rolling hills made up of Gold Ridge soil, with Clones consisting of 95, 76, and 548.
Vinous Review:
The 2022 Pinot Noir Zio Tony Vineyard marries fruit intensity with bright acids. Red-toned fruit, orange peel, spice, mint and white pepper all race across the palate. The Zio Tony is distinguished by bright acids that give the wine palpable drive and tension. The mix of six different clones yields a Pinot of real complexity and character.
