2006 Martinelli Chardonnay Three Sisters Vineyard Sea Ridge Meadow

The only 2006 Chardonnay I tasted from the extraordinary Martinelli winery (the family is one of Sonoma’s great farming and viticulture pioneers) is the 2006 Chardonnay Three Sisters Vineyard Sea Ridge Meadow. The 2006 is not nearly as impressive as the 2005 or 2004, revealing some of the problems Chardonnay experienced in this vintage. A Meursault-like hazelnut character along with caramelized tropical fruits, honeysuckle, smoke, and earth emerge from this evolved wine. It is best consumed over the next 1-2 years. Martinelli’s Zinfandel portfolio continues to grow, with as many as five different offerings now available. The 2006 and 2007 Jackass Hill Vineyard cuvees were not tasted at this visit. However, the other four wines I tasted, all from steep hillside vineyard sites with the newer plantings planted from bud wood of both the Jackass Hill and Jackass vineyards, were brilliant. They are among the fullest-bodied, headiest, most distinctive Zinfandels made in California. Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-9463