2007 Martinelli Chardonnay Charles Ranch
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Tasting notes
Greenish gold. Musky aromas of poached pear, vanilla, crushed stone and nutmeg. Concentrated, fleshy and velvety, communicating an impression of richness to its orchard fruit and peach flavors without coming across as ponderous. The vanilla note returns on the broad, long, intensely spicy finish. This has unlikely energy for such a rich wine and is drinking well now.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2007 Chardonnay Charles Ranch exhibits lots of leesy, waxy, poached pear, lemon blossom, and nectarine characteristics intermixed with a hint of orange marmalade. It is a complex, medium to full-bodied white to consume over the next 3-4 years. A limited number of wines were presented to me for tasting at Martinelli. Sadly, Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer have departed as consultants to concentrate on their own vineyard. Nevertheless, Martinelli should be in good hands. 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.