2013 Martinelli “3Sisters” Chardonnay $60

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Vineyard Notes:  “This petite vineyard is trained on a vertical trellis system with the fruit hanging just 24 inches above the ground. The vines are densely spaced and thinned between two and three pounds of fruit per vine. These practices all insure even ripening and mature fruit character in the wine. The wine is 100% barrel fermented with wild yeast, resting in 60% new French oak for 10 months before bottling. The grapes, juice, and then wine are minimally handled. The wine is neither heat nor cold stabilized, and is un-fined and un-filtered, clarified only by racking before bottling.”

Winery Tasting Notes:  “The 2013 Three Sisters Chardonnay has a nose of perfumed lemon, chalk and honeysuckle with brilliant focus. The palate offers a full, dry brightness in the core – hazelnut and baked apple, beautifully textured.”

“Wine Advocate” Review (96 pts):  “ Slightly more concentrated than the 2012, the 2013 Chardonnay Three Sisters again shows hazelnut, brioche, pure honeyed pineapple and orange blossom, a full-bodied mouthfeel and a long, long finish. This is a bigger cuvée of 332 cases. Drink now-2020. One of the great families of Northern California, and of course, one of the highest quality producers, the Martinellis-and rather remarkably so-only estate-bottle 15% of their production from over 300 acres of beautifully situated vineyards in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. No doubt Helen Turley, who worked at Martinelli and mentored its winemaking team, left a profound influence on the quality of the Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Syrahs and Zinfandels, a fact that can’t be overstated. The Chardonnays all go through full malolactic fermentation and tend to see about 50% new oak.”  – Robert Parker

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

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Cases Produced: 332

Winemaker Name: Bryan Kvamme

Consulting Winemaker: Erin Green

Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  Grilled/pan seared chicken, poached (butter) lobster/crab, mushroom risotto, soft cheeses including; Brie & mascarpone.

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