2022 Taub Martinelli Vineyard-Charles Ranch Chardonnay
Subtle aromas of fresh green pear plus hints of oak spice and brioche give way to light, flinty notes and a whisper of wet stone. On the palate, tart lemon curd and chalky minerality lead the attack and broaden into the mid-palate as the wine’s power builds into a savory, saline finish. This extraordinary texture reflects the vineyard’s proximity to the Pacific, bright and crisp on entry and building to tremendous depth and length (780 bottles produced).
The grapes were harvested by hand. Whole clusters were fed directly to press. The following morning the racked juice was moved to François Frères barrels, 25% new, where it underwent and completed native yeast primary fermentation. Weekly bâtonnage was performed through completion of malolactic fermentation in late March. The wine remained on lees for a full year prior to bottling.