2006 Martinelli Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay

Martinelli is a well known California producer of mostly Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. They also make a Syrah and a few other varietals but I have not had any of those. Their Pinots, Zinfandels and Chardonnays are made from several single vineyards they bottle, as well as grapes from a combination of vineyards. The Zio Tony Ranch is one of them.

I have been on Martinelli's mailer and I have also bought their wines from the secondary auction market. This bottle was sourced via auction. I was able to get this 2006 Chardonnay at a very good price from a larger lot being sold.

Tasting Review Note

The nose showed classic California full flavored chardonnay with some toasted almond, lemon and oak. The taste had full and rich flavors of lemon oil, steel, cream and almonds. The mouthfeel was not heavy but the flavors were fairly raw. Not subtle. Very long finish. This 2006 Zio Tony Ranch might be worth it just for that. It really goes.

If someone does not appreciate full bodied California Chardonnay like this 2006 Martinelli, they may find the wine a little over-done. I might agree that while I love a quality full flavored Chardonnay - food (shellfish particularly) would really bring this out.

Not a cocktail wine, but the best Chardonnays - including white burgundies should be food wines IMO.

I would let this sit at least another year in the bottle. But if you are cranking out some nice crab or clam in a garlic white wine sauce (I'm getting hungry now!), let this open for an hour or so and go at it. Don't forget the French Bread for dipping!

90 Points

Nick

Recommended Wine Book:

Bordeaux: A Consumer's Guide to the World's Finest Wines - Robert Parker


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