Lolita Ranch

The Lolita Ranch is located on Martinelli Road in Forestville. The property was part of the original Martinelli Homestead Ranch, belonging to Giuseppe and Luisa Martinelli who purchased the steep, forested land in the late 1800’s. Later, their eldest son Fred sold the parcel to his neighbor, Lolita Young’s mother. Eventually Bob and Lolita Young inherited it, and ran a herd of cattle on the land for many years. Lee Martinelli Jr. and his wife Pamela acquired the property in 1999 from Bob Young after Lolita’s passing, returning it back to the Martinelli estate and to the family’s continuing century-long legacy of viticulture. Lee Jr. at that time decided to name the ranch after Lolita. Lee Jr. planted the steep hillside in 2001 with four different grape varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

The year 2024 provided much-needed relief and a welcome return to normalcy following the extreme temperatures of 2022 and 2023. The growing season was nearly ideal, beginning with a cool spring and transitioning into a warm, yet not excessively hot, summer. Abundant rainfall throughout the season fostered even and robust cluster development. While a brief heatwave occurred in early October, the ample water availability helped mitigate its impact. Unlike the challenges faced in 2023, this year saw no significant rain events during harvest. We are thrilled to share this exceptional vintage with you.

Deep aromatics of raspberries, vanilla bean, and violets lift from the glass. Layered acidity on the palate with sweet flavors of pomegranate, wild cherry hard candy, and fresh whipped cream.  Finishing energetically with a hint of red plum skin.