2022 Martinelli Chardonnay Charles Ranch
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Tasting notes
The 2022 Chardonnay Charles Ranch Vineyard comes from Wente clone vines planted in 1981. The nose is bursting with yellow peach, panna cotta, crème brûlée and exotic floral perfume. The medium-bodied palate pairs expansive, layered flavors with a satiny texture. It’s balanced by vibrant acidity and has a very long, expressive finish. A total of 102 cases were made, and it will be released in August 2025.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
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While I personally prefer the Three Sisters, the 2022 Chardonnay Charles Ranch has a lovely rounded and luxurious feel and is well-detailed. Much more opulent all around, it comes from a site planted in 1981 and displays a deeper but bright yellow hue. More savory on the nose, with depth to its notes of chamomile, fresh peach, wet stones, and light broth, it’s full-bodied and rounder, with a very appealing profile of ripe yellow fruit as well as rich notes of vanilla and custard on the finish. Drink 2025-2032. 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.