2002 Martinelli Chardonnay Charles Ranch
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The recently released 2002 Chardonnays include the 2002 Chardonnay Charles Ranch, an exotic wine that smells akin to creme brulee, eggs, and buttered lychees. A heady, potent concoction, in the mouth this wine comes across almost like a Chardonnay made with a dose of Grand Marnier added to the wine. Tropical, honeyed, and exotic, it should be drunk over the next 2-3 years. Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-9463
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Pale gold-green color. Aromas of apple, pear, pineapple, papaya, creme brulee and nutty, smoky oak, with a dusty note that mostly dissipated with aeration. Dense, dry and rather exotic. Comes across as slightly more focused than the Gold Ridge, with very good finishing fruit.
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.