2020 Martinelli Chardonnay Charles Ranch
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Chardonnay Charles Ranch Vineyard is bright and transparent on the nose with wafts of Meyer lemon, saline and gravel dust, yellow apples and hints of floral perfume. Medium-bodied with an alluring, creamy frame, it has plenty of mouthwatering acidity and a long, gently honeyed finish. 170 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Chardonnay Charles Ranch is marked by angular contours and an abrupt finish. There's good upfront depth, but the intensity tapers of pretty quickly after that. There are no awkward flavors, but it is hard to get past the edginess.
The 2020 Chardonnay Charles Ranch has a bright medium yellow color and fresher, more focused aromas of lime leaf and green apple, as well as light flinty lift. Medium to full-bodied, on the palate it has a more linear feel, with lemon balm, ripe melon, and white peach. It offers a nice lift to balance its delicate warming spices. Drink 2023-2033. One of the most historic names in Sonoma, the Martinellis are sixth-generation winegrowers based in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Prolific farmers, all of their wines come from estate-grown fruit, with 90% of the grapes sold off to other wineries. In addition to focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they also produce Zinfandel, Syrah, and Muscat of Alexandria. Courtney Robinett Wagoner joined the team in 2015 as the assistant winemaker before being promoted to winemaker in 2017.
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.