2013 Chardonnay Charles Ranch 750 ml
Appellation
Sonoma Coast
The 2013 Charles Ranch has yeasty, citrus, and jasmine aromas backed by mineral notes. The texture of the wine is silky with a creamy mid-palate full of citrus flavors including lemon chiffon and Key lime, followed by a crisp finish. Charles Ranch Chardonnay has a complex array of honeysuckle, Bosc pear, orange blossom, orange rind, and pink grapefruit aromas. There is a subtle spice box and vanilla from the French oak and a gorgeously luscious mouthfeel.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2013
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Sonoma Coast
Vineyard Designation
Charles Ranch
Alcohol %
14.6
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The Charles Ranch was once one of the largest sheep ranches in Sonoma County. George Charles was a fourth-generation rancher in the vast rugged hills and raised 2,000 head of sheep along with a small herd of bison. George’s son-in-law, Lee Martinelli Sr., was a successful third-generation grape grower and consulted with George as to which grape variety would be the most suitable to plant in this unique climate. This distinct micro-climate is two miles inland from the Pacific coastline at Fort Ross and is ideally suited for growing Burgundian varietals. In 1980 George sold his herd and used the steep 14-acre pasture to plant Chardonnay, becoming a pioneer of grape growing in an area that is now considered a prime viticultural region. The vineyard was planted in 1981, is the second vineyard planted on the far Sonoma Coast.
Winemaker Notes
The 2013 growing year was the second dry year in a row for Sonoma County. It was an especially dry spring and warmed up early, so the vines got an early jump on the season. Bloom came along in early May and the temperatures were perfect for berry pollination. The clusters ended up setting an abundance of berries. We had to do quite a bit of cluster thinning to maintain our desired crop levels and to get some sunlight and air movement into the canopy. Harvest came early as well. Fortunately, we had cooler temps about midway through, which slowed down picking and allowed us to catch up on things - including sleep! Harvest was complete after 7-8 weeks.
