2021 Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay
95 points
Wine Enthusiast
Roasted hazelnut, ripe grapefruit and Gravenstein apple aromas sit firmly but elegantly on the palate showing impressive fineness reminiscent of single vineyard Cru from the Côte de Beaune. Meyer lemon, Kiwi and mint lend compelling complexity. Subtle smoky reduction makes this truly a wine of consequence. Crystalline, pure acidity rings through, while exceptional fruit density drives towards an expansive finish, lingering finish.
2021 will be remembered as a challenging year, with record low rainfall producing smaller vine growth and very low yields of very small berries. 2021 is also a remarkably fine vintage with many wines performing near their best in quality. The young 2021 wines are showing great promise as intensely concentrated, complex wines, sure to give pleasurable drinking for years to come.
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 2021 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 (28% new; 72% 1-2-year old- all three-year seasoned staves)
Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential
This wine is Vegan
- Type:
- White
- Varietal:
- Chardonnay
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Russian River Valley
- Vintage:
- 2021
- 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