Share: 
WINE

More on Martinelli wines

May 30, 2016

Memorial Day weekend brings one of several American holidays that should be supported by all. While I recognize there have been many principled arguments about the country's involvement in wars, police actions and what some term our foreign adventures, which were warned of by President Washington, this Monday, Memorial Day, is not about those issues. Rather, it is about honoring those who served and gave life and/or limb in the cause of supporting and defending our country. They did so from love of country and a sense of duty. I ask all of you to take a long respite from your busy schedules to say some prayers, or to ponder the gift of service of our fallen, maimed and emotionally distraught military vets, as you see appropriate. To my brothers in arms, I will ask our God to bring you all peace. Please, folks, don’t say Happy Memorial Day. While I recognize the goodwill most are trying to express, there is nothing happy about the circumstances that prompted the Decoration Day holiday following the Civil War, instituted in 1866. In 1882 the name was changed to Memorial Day to honor all our dead veterans, and in 1971 President Nixon made it a national holiday and expanded the remembrances to all Americans deceased.

Now let me get on to a less sober topic and as I promised it is more about Martinelli wine. We sampled a bunch, and as usual my notes are a bit cryptic. I’ll bend every effort to have you fully informed. There are 29 selections in their portfolio. Unfortunately, I can only discuss those I’ve actually sampled. These wines may appear a bit pricey, but I think all are wonderful QPR. Bella Vigne Chardonnay 2012 can be found under $40. Bouquet of pear, honey, dried lemon and gravel runs to flavors of lemon, green apple and anise supported by a round acid-balanced flavor set. The palate is solid with a mouth-filling texture and flavors of lemon, green apple, stone fruit and a hint of licorice. Finished cleanly with hints of oak-driven toast and caramel, 90 McD points.

To go upscale a bit, take a look at Three Sisters Vineyard Sonoma Coast 2012. RP said 96. Finally I agree with him on his generous ratings, and I want to add a price point at $60. These are just released, so the wine has come together in the bottle at the vineyard. Kudos to Regina and her family for selling no fine wine before its time. You will struggle to get some since they only made 179 cases. Do yourselves a favor and do the work. Complex: lemon zest, brioche, dry pear, apricot, mint, tropical fruit, hints of oaken spice supported with mineral acidity(slate). For sybarites only, will cellar several years. Best yet from this vineyard.

The Zio Tony Ranch Russian River Chardonnay has been killer since at least 2008. My notes rated those vintages above 93 with a couple of 95s rolled in. The 2013 is wonderful and can be had priced under $50. Another Parker rave drove the price up. In this case, buy anyway. There is not much around. Green apples, citrus,  lemon blossom, nutmeg, roast hazelnut, zesty acidity and made in the full-bodied Burgundian style. Very long finish with clean lemon and lime zest flavor. Buy up to $55; will cellar at least thru 2022 but I think far longer. These are a McD humdinger at this price. You can buy any vintage back to 2008 if your friendly wine store pal can locate them. I realize I’ve run on, but I truly love these chards. They are solidly made, aged properly and fairly priced. Buying a mixed case is the way to go and then try not to give me a big hug at Safeway or Super G. That makes me blush.

I haven’t described all Martinelli’s Chardonnay yet or even touched on their wonderful Zins, Syrahs and Pinot Noir, but I plan to do so because they make wonderful wine and I want you to go visit when you are in Sonoma. Did you notice I didn’t mention Cabernet Sauvignon? Perhaps you may remember the terroir speaks for them.


Email John McDonald at chjonmc@yahoo.com.

 

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter