2012 Martinelli Zinfandel Martinelli Road
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Chardonnay Martinelli Road, from a site in Forestville, is the coldest Chardonnay site Martinelli farms. Still, there is plenty of richness, power and volume, all signatures of the Russian River. The 2012 is all about intensity and voluptuousness, even if there is a very slight element of astringency on the finish, perhaps the result of too much new oak or barrels that weren't perfectly seasoned. This is also one of the wines in this range where the alcohol is evident.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The stunning 2012 Chardonnay Martinelli Road sees 65% new French oak. This cuvée always possesses a gravelly, wet pebble minerality along with abundant pineapple, brioche, caramelized citrus and orange blossom characteristics. Dense and full-bodied with stunning purity, ripeness and acidity buttressing this formidably endowed Chardonnay, it should age well for 8-10 years.
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.