2005 Martinelli Chardonnay Woolsey Road
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Tasting notes
Green-gold. Intensely spicy and fresh, with vibrant citrus and pear aromas underscored by a light leesy note. Crisp and impressively focused, with energetic tangerine and sweet butter flavors and gentle acidity for backbone. Picks up deeper maple and gingerbread notes with air but with no loss of vivacity.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2005 Chardonnay Woolsey Road (486 cases) shows wonderful minerality, with notes of brioche and orange blossom in a full-bodied, Burgundian style of Chardonnay. Light straw-colored with loads of flavor, its leesiness and texture are noteworthy. It should drink well for 4-5 years at minimum. Kudos to the Martinelli family, one of the great old winemaking families of Northern California. (They also produce exquisite apples as well.) Not yet released. 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.