2022 Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay
Appellation
Russian River
The nose reveals an unexpected sweetness, with enticing aromas of candied lemon peel, powdered sugar, and delicate caramel. On the palate, it enters with a rich, full-bodied texture, offering luscious flavors of lemon oil and velvety vanilla cream. The finish is long and indulgent, beautifully rounded by the delightful essence of lemon meringue pie.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2022
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Russian River
Vineyard Designation
Zio Tony Ranch
Alcohol %
15.1
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The Zio Tony Ranch is named after Lee Sr.’s uncle Tony who was the first in the Bondi family to be born on American soil. Zio Tony, Zio meaning 'uncle' in Italian and pronounced 'tseo', was a very charismatic man with a big booming voice whom loved a good time. When Zio Tony passed away in 1971 his nephew, Lee Martinelli, Sr., took over management of the estate. The love of his family's heritage land was too great for Lee to sell the property and in one short season, he went from High School teacher to Apple Farmer. Eventually, this apple orchard was converted to vineyards, as the market for apples grew unbearably soft. The vines are planted on rolling hills made up of Gold Ridge soil, with Clones consisting of 95, 76, and 548.