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  • Charles Ranch Chardonnay 2021

    95 Points
    Antonio Galloni, Vinous

    94 Points
    Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck

    VINEYARD

    Charles Ranch

    VINTAGE2021
    ABOUT THIS WINE

    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.

    GROWING YEAR INFO

    2021 was the driest year on record since they started keeping records 127 years ago. It was also the third year of drought conditions for Sonoma County. Contrary to these conditions, the summer was relatively cool and started two weeks later than the previous year. The drought conditions did bring ripeness to each of our varieties at just about the same time. By the end of the first week, we had 40% of the total tonnage in the winery. This included Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel from both Fort Ross-Seaview and Russian River Valley. Despite being a very compact harvest, small clusters and berry size have yielded exceptional quality which makes 2021 a standout vintage.

    VINEYARD DETAILS

    SPECIFICATIONS

    APPELLATIONFort Ross-Seaview
    VARIETALS PLANTEDChardonnay
    SOIL INFORMATIONJosephine and Goldridge
    SOIL CHARACTERISTICSWell drained and some clay loam
    ROOTSTOCKAXR and St. George
    CLONAL SELECTIONWente and 04
    YEAR ACQUIRED1860
    YEAR PLANTED1982
    Tasting Notes

    Delightful aromas of Asian pear, golden apple, and honey are found in the nose. Mouthcoating from entry to finish, this richness complements the flavors of preserved lemon and powdered sugar. Whispers of nutmeg are found in the lengthy finish.

    WinemakerCourtney Robinett Wagoner
    Consulting WinemakerErin Green
    Cases Produced 192

    Winemaker’s Notes

    Roger Coryell

    October 23, 2023

Martinelli
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3360 RIVER ROAD
WINDSOR, CA
(800) 346-1627
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