Planted in 1990 by the Martinelli family, Zio Tony Ranch is located on Frei Road in the heart of the Russian River’s cool Green Valley. Our coveted section of Zio Tony is planted on top of a gently sloping hill on well-drained, low-vigor, Goldridge sandy loam soils. These iron-rich, reddish soils consistently produce fruit with great structure and acidity. Our 2019 Chardonnay is made from 100% Dijon clone 76, which is notable for its exceptional texture and pure aromatics.

2019 was an excellent year. The modestly wet winter led to an unusual spring with six inches of rain in late May. The extra water caused strong vine canopy growth necessitating extra leaf pulling to improve air flow and suppress disease. No significant problems persisted as the vines moved into a delightful summer, with warm days tempered by cool afternoon winds from the Pacific. Crop levels were average and weather at harvest was particularly pleasant, with the fruit ripening evenly, and critically, not too quickly. The 2019 wines have rich, supple structures supported by juicy, fresh fruit flavors and clearly defined vineyard characters. These precocious, delicious wines should require less cellar time to reach an ideal drinking stage.

The 2019 Zio Tony Ranch Chardonnay is layered, complex and vibrantly expressive. Aromas of lime zest, roasted hazelnuts, summer melon, honeycomb/wax weave between spicy pear and green apple. The mouthfeel is rich and expansive while maintaining a lean, mineral tension, moving the rich, slightly oily mid-palate along to a mouthwatering, fresh finish. Zio Tony always rewards patient cellaring, where it gains smoothness, texture and additional complexity.