The 2018 Martinelli Chardonnay Lolita Ranch is a notable white wine from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma, California. Produced by Martinelli, this Chardonnay exhibits the qualities that make the region's wines highly sought after. With an alcohol content of 14.9%, this wine was bottled with a natural cork closure and has garnered impressive reviews from respected wine critics.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine a score of 94, highlighting its "pure aromas of roasted almonds, saline, white peaches, and honeysuckle with an underlying mineral character." The review further praises the wine's "satiny, seamlessly fresh and transparent" palate, emphasizing its "bright, citrusy fruits at this youthful stage and a long, mineral-driven finish." Only 193 cases of this vintage were produced, making it a relatively limited and exclusive offering.
Vinous also provided a strong review, giving the 2018 Martinelli Chardonnay Lolita Ranch a score of 93. Antonio Galloni of Vinous described the wine as "bright and effusive," noting its "terrific freshness and aromatic presence" despite being sourced from the warmest Martinelli Chardonnay site. Galloni appreciated how "all the elements are so nicely balanced in this understated, beautifully persistent Chardonnay." He also mentioned that "time in the glass really allows the layers to open up," with flavors of "lemon confit, almond, and chamomile" lingering on the "creamy finish."
In summary, the 2018 Martinelli Chardonnay Lolita Ranch is a well-crafted Chardonnay that showcases the unique terroir of the Russian River Valley. It is characterized by its balanced structure, fresh and aromatic profile, and a long, mineral-driven finish. With excellent scores from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Vinous, this wine is a standout example of high-quality California Chardonnay.