2004 Martinelli Chardonnay Zio Tony Ranch
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Tasting notes
Good pale color. Spicy, ripe nose hints at menthol; less pristine than the Martinelli Road example. Fat and round on the palate, but without quite the grip of the last two examples. A large-scaled wine from a low crop level that finishes with a slightly raw quality. Perhaps in an awkward stage today.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2004 Chardonnay Zio Tony Ranch is compact and monolithic. Although it possesses a medium/deep golden color, a chunky, oaky characteristic, and plenty of fruit and depth in the mouth, it is not as well delineated and charming as the other Chardonnays. This wine had just been bottled when I tasted it, so I suspect my ratings might be somewhat conservative. Before readers inundate the office with questions, the Martinellis were not happy with the Syrah vineyards in 2004 and did not make any wines. (Release date 3/06) 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.