2005 Martinelli Chardonnay Martinelli Road
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Tasting notes
Light yellow. Ripe, honeyed apple and pear aromas, with a distinct mineral tone. Concentrated and focused, with iodine-accented pear and pit fruit flavors, gentle acidity and a note of toasted brioche. Spice notes build on the finish, which shows very good thrust and length. This seems the most fruit-driven of this set.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
There are 534 cases. From another Russian River vineyard up the street from the winery is the 2005 Chardonnay Martinelli Road. Tangerine oil, lemon blossom, crushed rocks, white currants, and a hint of honeysuckle are present in this full-bodied, rich, pure, and layered wine. It is gorgeously complex already, but should age nicely for 5-7 years. Kudos to the Martinelli family, one of the great old winemaking families of Northern California. (They also produce exquisite apples as well.) Previously recommended: 2004 Chardonnay Charles Ranch (91); 2004 Chardonnay Martinelli Road (94); 2004 Chardonnay Woolsey Road (92); 2004 Chardonnay Zio Tony Ranch (89?); 2004 Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge (92); 2004 Pinot Noir Bondi Home Ranch Water Trough Vineyard (89); 2004 Pinot Noir Moonshine Ranch (92); 2004 Pinot Noir Zio Tony Ranch (90); 2004 Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa (93); 2004 Jackass Vineyard (93); 2004 Jackass Hill Vineyard (95) 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.