2007 Martinelli Chardonnay Zio Tony Ranch
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Tasting notes
Light gold. Pungent aromas of iodine, anise, Meyer lemon, smoky lees and dried flowers. Broad, palate-coating citrus and orchard fruit flavors are complicated by smoked meat, hazelnut and tarragon qualities. Becomes spicier on the finish, with the lees and iodine notes echoing. Impressively complex and powerful enough to handle shellfish, poultry or cheeses.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2007 Chardonnay Zio Tony Ranch offers lovely notes of honeysuckle, white citrus, and nectarines, a layered mouthfeel, a full-bodied richness, and a dry, heady finish. No other 2007 Chardonnays were presented for tasting. 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
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.