This Chardonnay is 60% barrel fermented for six months in French and American oak and 40% fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine begins with aromas of toasty oak, vanilla, ripe peach and pear. Rich, ripe tropical fruit flavors are married with the toasty oak and hints of tangy citrus and lime zest. Lush pineapple, lemon, peach, and melon flavors follow throughout with a foundation of minerality and a fresh, bright character

Review

Pure, clean and delicate, with a beam of spicy pear, floral and honeysuckle flavors that are long and lingering.

Wine maker notes

Our Angeline Chardonnay was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. This wine begins with fresh aromas of green apple and peach, with a touch of vanilla. A pure and vibrant Chardonnay, with crisp flavors of lush peach and apple, balanced by subtle hints of creamy oak.

Food pairing

Pair with brie and apricot chutney for an appetizer or pork chops and apple walnut stuffing as an entree.

Producer

Courtney Benham acquired the historic Martini & Prati winery in July 2003, which is now Martin Ray Winery and the home of our Tasting Room. The Tasting Room structure, dating back to the 1900's, used to serve as a stable and bunkhouse where Italian immigrants stayed during harvest and crush. The winery also houses a 1 million gallon production facility. Established in 1881 as the Twin Fir Winery, the historic site is distinguished as the oldest winery in continuous operation in Sonoma County and one of the oldest wineries in California. The winery was able to stay in operation during prohibition by selling sacramental wines by train to Rabbis through a winery in New York. Originally known as Martini & Prati, which was established in 1902, the winery was run by five generations of the Martini family. Thirty 11,000 gallon old-growth redwood tanks dating back to 1904 are still used at the winery and can be viewed during our winery tour. Much of the winery storage areas have been converted to barrel rooms where we store the majority of our wine. We primarily use French oak barrels due to its superb quality and oak accents that give the wines vanilla, spice and often herbaceous aromas and flavor. We use most of our barrels for 5 to 6 years, depending upon the percentages of new, neutral and old wood we want to use on a particular wine. Beginning a new era for Martin Ray Winery at this historic site in the Russian River Valley has given us the opportunity to create a home for the Martin Ray and Angeline wines in a very unique and inviting setting. With our large production facility, prime location and the traditional, antique charm of the winery we have all the elements we need to provide us with growth and success. Visit us soon to experience Martin Ray Winery first-hand!