2019 Patz & Hall Zio Tony Ranch RRV Chardonnay

Heyooo... MORE Patz and MORE Hall!!!

And. Oof. THE Zio Tony. We finally have enough to run a day's worth. Or do we?

Owned by the Russian River Valley royalty Martinelli clan, old-timers will recall that Helen Turley’s mythical Marcassin was the only other label boasting this single vineyard. They still drink like a dream and to this date believe it or not there's a royal following for older vintages in Japan!

Nowadays a few unicorn examples exist by Keplinger, Jeff Cohn, Journeyman, and that’s it really. Suffice it to say, Robert Parker once praised the terroir here for creating “a steely Chablis on steroids” effect, and Vinous adds that “Zio Tony has an immediate allure that is impossible to resist.” We agree 100%!

Per Wine Spectator they’re “One of California’s most consistently outstanding Pinot and Chardonnay producers.” Facts, as the kid (and one of our less than fully matured, 30-something Agents) say.

Over the years well-off collectors stockpiled single-vineyards like Durell, Ritchie, Zio Tony, Sobranes, Pisoni, Hyde, Bootlegger’s Hill, (and on, and on…) from Patz & Hall. And they did so at well-deserved prices, usually in the $55-115 range.

But... do you feel that? Today there's a disturbance in the force. A shift in the laws of pricing that will forever alter your perception of reality. Or at least, one that will really annoy our competition...

In our two decades in the business, we’ve seen very, very few of the most desirable wine brands and their top wines offered at "what's-the-catch" type prices.

Today, there is none!

We echo what San Francisco Chronicle says, “Patz & Hall understands Pinot Noir and Chardonnay lovers. Its ability to express the nuances of these two grapes in the glass can transport you to one of the many prized properties where they grow.”

When Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate endorses a producer with the highest of praises as “Patz & Hall has a long and enviable track record, making Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from some of the very finest single vineyards in Northern California… and the wines are sure bets” you know they are.

And at these prices… there remains not much else to say or think about, except buy, buy, buy!

93 Points – Wine Spectator “Rich and fine-textured, with concentrated savory accents to the fresh-cut green apple and pear flavors. Lemon meringue notes midpalate lead to plenty of pastry nuances on the finish. Drink now through 2026.”