Charles Ranch Chardonnay 2019

The Charles Ranch was once one of the largest sheep ranches in Sonoma County. George Charles was a fourth generation rancher in the rugged hills and raised 2,000 head of sheep along with a small herd of bison. George’s son-in-law, Lee Martinelli Sr., was a successful third generation grape grower and consulted with George as to which grape variety would be the most suitable to plant in this unique climate. The distinct micro-climate is two miles inland from the Pacific Coastline at Fort Ross and is ideally suited for growing Burgundian varietals. In 1980 George sold his herd and used the steep 14 acre pasture to plant Chardonnay grapes, becoming a pioneer of grape growing in an area that is now considered a prime viticultural region. The vineyard was planted in 1981, being the second vineyard planted on the far Sonoma Coast.

Heavy rainfall and floods dominated late winter and early Spring 2019. This rain pushed bud break into late March and early April. Both April and May were cool which slowed down the growth in the vines and stretched out ripening. The summer was very temperate, with a bit of heat just before harvest to help push the flavors. Overall, we were around 10 days later in all stages from bud break to harvest than in the 2018 vintage. This long growing season allowed for full and rich flavor development.

SPECIFICATIONS

APPELLATION

Fort Ross-Seaview

VARIETALS PLANTED

Chardonnay

SOIL INFORMATION

Josephine and Goldridge

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

Well drained and some clay loam

ROOTSTOCK

AXR and St. George

CLONAL SELECTION

Wente and 04

YEAR ACQUIRED

1860

YEAR PLANTED

1982

Focused aromas of golden pear, honeysuckle and brioche bread you’re your nose. Refreshing minerality along with flavors of lemon curd fill out the rich palate.  Vanilla and fresh pear flavors are found in the long finish