2002 Martinelli Chardonnay Martinelli Road
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Tasting notes
The 2002 Chardonnay Martinelli Road Vineyard has a striking minerality with notes of gravel and hot rocks, a steely backbone, huge body, leesy flavors with good acidity, tremendous ripeness, and a singular terroir character. If California were making a Meursault-Perrieres, this might be an example of that style of site-specific wine. Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-9463
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Wild nose combines a gamey quality with steely minerality. Tightly wound and very young, but its lemon custard and mineral flavors hint at the complexity to come. Finishes adamantly dry, firm and persistent. This really needs a couple years of patience.
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.