2008 Martinelli Chardonnay Martinelli Road
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Tasting notes
Greenish gold. Sexy aromas and flavors of lime, lemongrass, candied ginger and anise. Powerful and high-pitched on the palate, with an interesting blend of energy and depth. Shows lively minerality on the precise, very long finish. This three-acre vineyard is dry-farmed.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
For starters, the 2008 Chardonnay Martinelli Road offers a beautiful nose of citrus blossom, white peaches and honeysuckle with virtually no noticeable oak. Medium to full-bodied flavors dominate in this steely, unctuously textured Chardonnay. It should drink well for 4-6 years if not longer given how past vintages have evolved. The venerable Martinelli winery, one of the iconic families and longtime growers in Sonoma, has turned out another impressive group of wines. Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-9463
About the producer

Martinelli is a Sonoma benchmark for vineyard-designate bottlings—wines built to highlight how strongly a single site can shape Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Across the range, the focus stays consistent: small-production bottlings that feel distinctly tied to where they’re grown.