martinelli winery
  • Visit
  • Vineyards
    • VINEYARD MAP
    • GROWING REGIONS
    • SUSTAINABILITY
  • Wines
    • CHARDONNAY
    • PINOT NOIR
    • ZINFANDEL
    • SYRAH
    • MUSCAT OF ALEXANDRIA
  • Our story
    • FAMILY
    • HERITAGE
    • FAMILY TREE
    • Winemaking Team
  • Join the list
  • Shop
  • Charles Ranch Chardonnay 2022

    96 Points
    Erin Brooks, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

    VINEYARD

    Charles Ranch

    VINTAGE2022
    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

    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.

    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 PLANTED1981
    Tasting Notes

    Rich and polished, the Charles Ranch Chardonnay offers aromas of poached pear, golden apple, and wildflower honey. The entry is supple and round, balanced by a clean acidity that frames flavors of candied lemon zest and gentle barrel spice. A hint of fresh cream lends weight and texture, carrying through to a long, refined finish.

    WinemakerCourtney Robinett Wagoner
    Consulting WinemakerErin Green
    Cases Produced 102

    Winemaker’s Notes

    Roger Coryell

    October 23, 2023

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

TRADE & MEDIA
GALLERY
CONTACT US
ADA STATEMENT

PRIVACY
UPCOMING EVENTS
SHIPPING INFO
CHECKOUT

VISIT
VINEYARDS
WINES
OUR STORY
JOIN THE LIST
SHOP

COPYRIGHT 2025 MARTINELLI WINERY, WINDSOR, CALIFORNIA

PRIVACY / TERMS OF USE