2018 Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay
The 2018 Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay displays a delicate compliment of summer melon, spicy cedar, darkly toasted hazelnuts, guava-ginger high notes, fresh fennel bulb and carnation flowers. Yeasty, complex and savory, Zio Tony Ranch is one of the highest acid vineyards we work with, delivering freshness and vibrancy on the full-bodied palate that sets up a long mouthwatering and detailed finish.
The weather in 2018 was spectacular, making this another exceptionally-fine vintage for Sonoma County. A near record long growing season, with plenty of cool days, punctuated with sunny and warm patches allowed flavors and textures to mature fully. Crop levels were above average, with many sites producing the best crops in years. The acidity levels are higher than normal, with perfectly ripened fruit. Though the year was cool, the fruit was very clean and high quality. A vintage to remember!
Planted in 1990 by the Martinelli family, Zio Tony Ranch is located on Frei Road in the heart of the Russian River's cool Green Valley. Our coveted section of Zio Tony is planted on top of a gently sloping hill on well-drained, low-vigor, Goldridge sandy loam soils. These iron-rich, reddish soils consistently produce fruit with great structure and acidity. Our 2018 Chardonnay is made from 100% Dijon clone 76, which is notable for its exceptional texture and pure aromatics.
Whole-cluster pressed
100% Burgundian French oak barrels (34% new; 66% 1-2-year old- all three-year seasoned staves)
Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential
- Type:
- White
- Varietal:
- Chardonnay
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Russian River Valley
- Vintage:
- 2018
- Blend:
- 100% Chardonnay fruit
- Aging:
- Sur lie aged with regular stirring
- Alcohol:
- 14.5
- Fermentation:
- 100% indigenous yeast fermentations (wild); 100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel