2016 Chardonnay Lolita Ranch 750 ml
Appellation
Russian River
Our 2016 Lolita Ranch Chardonnay has a bright nose with aromas of honeysuckle, Meyer lemon and vanilla. The liveliness continues in the mouth with flavors of lemon zest, fresh melon, and wet stone.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Russian River
Vineyard Designation
Lolita Ranch
Alcohol %
15.2
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The Lolita Ranch is located on Martinelli Road in Forestville. The property was part of the original Martinelli Homestead Ranch, belonging to Giuseppe and Luisa Martinelli who purchased the steep, forested land in the late 1800s. Later, their eldest son Fred sold the parcel to his neighbor, Lolita Young’s mother. Eventually, Bob and Lolita Young inherited it, and ran a herd of cattle on the land for many years. Lee Martinelli Jr. and his wife Pamela acquired the property in 1999 from Bob Young after Lolita’s passing, returning it back to the Martinelli estate and to the family’s continuing century-long legacy of viticulture. Lee Jr. at that time decided to name the ranch after Lolita. Lee Jr. planted the steep hillside in 2001 with four different grape varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel.
Winemaker Notes
Although 2016 received just below-average rainfall, it was still considered the last year of our 5-year drought. However, this adequate amount of rain at the appropriate time led to favorable conditions for bloom, which resulted in an even fruit-set and good vine balance. Summer temperatures were cooler, which allowed the fruit to ripen slowly and develop deeper flavors. The weather held steady through harvest allowing us to pick the fruit at optimum maturity levels, resulting in wines full of finesse and intensity.
