2021 Martinelli Chardonnay Lolita Ranch

From a vineyard on Martinelli Road with the oldest soils of the estate, the bright silver/straw-colored 2021 Chardonnay Lolita Ranch reveals a light smoky incense note along with darker mineral aromas of honeysuckle, lemon curd, and the bright lift of fresh apples. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a good bit of fresh acidity, giving it a slightly more linear feel, and it has a delicate chalky texture on the finish with notes of candied lime. It’s going to show some real potential for aging over the next 10 years. I love the tension this cool site provides. Drink 2025-2035. 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.

The 2021 Chardonnay Lolita Ranch is fabulous. Soaring aromatics meld into a core of orchard fruit, baked apple tart, spice, lemon confit, mint and white pepper. Aromatically effusive and racy, with tons of Russian River exuberance, the Lolita Ranch is super-expressive in this tasting.