The 2009 Chardonnay Lolita Ranch caresses the palate with dried apricots, lemon, spices and white flowers, all supported by a persistent vein of underlying minerality. The Lolita Ranch captures plenty of Martinelli exuberance in a slightly restrained style. I imagine the Lolita Ranch will continue to drink well for at least another handful of years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.
Martinelli is one of the original pioneering families in Sonoma. I tasted a wide range of wines during a recent visit. The 2008 Syrahs, from a challenging vintage, are a bit up and down, but the rest of the wines are all outstanding. As always, these are fairly bold, extroverted wines, but their overall balance is typically superb.
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