Martin Ray
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
, Rutherford
Napa Valley
94 Points, James Suckling
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Kirsch, ripe plum and bramble with an undercurrent of star anise and toffee. Earthy, with wild blueberry and classic dusty character, balanced by fine tannins and fresh acidity. Known for its own unique terroir, this bottling sets a standard for depth and structure with classic tertiary notes of herbaceous earth and classic Rutherford dust. Very drinkable now and will only get better with time in the cellar.
This wine was made by none other than Keith Emerson, YES that Keith, of the glorious $200+ wines he made for Vineyard 29 among others.
VINEYARDS
Grapes picked from volcanic benchland vineyards in the heart of the valley east of the Mayacamas range. Perfect growing conditions, with lingering fog and warm daytime highs develop complex fruit due to an extended ripening period.
This prolific vineyard was carefully planted for optimal sun exposure in soil composed of gravel, loam and volcanic deposits.
WINEMAKING NOTES
Classic, labor-intensive, small-lot winemaking techniques implemented.
Four-day cold-soak, hand punch downs for two weeks in open top fermenters. Aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months.
VINTAGE
The culmination of factors from another drought year in California surprised us with a beautiful vintage. An unseasonably dry and mild winter, which led to an early spring, forced the vines into bud break during peak frost season.
A relatively warm, but even summer, resulted in early harvest dates, with lower-than-average yields with good quality.
Consulting Winemaker: Keith Emerson
Vintage: 2021
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley
Aging: Aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months.
Brix: 25.9
pH: 3.77
TA: 0.59 g/100ml
Alcohol: 15.1%
Tasting Notes 
PDF
The name Martin Ray resonates deeply in the history of California Winemaking. Martin Ray was a pioneer, dedicated to crafting single varietal, region specific wine from 1943 through 1972 in Saratoga, the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Mentored by the famed producer of early California sparkling wines Paul Masson, Ray took a decidedly burgundian approach to his winemaking, and developed what is now one of the most historical properties in California, known as Mount Eden.
In 2003, Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery made its home in the Russian River Valley, on the edge of Green Valley at one of the oldest continually working wineries in California. With the ardent philosphy that great wine is not only the sum of more than just good grapes and a talented winemaker, but rather the result of an efficient, nimble whole, he has assembled a lean core team. This foundational approach, coupled with long term relationships with celebrated growers has led Martin Ray to produce quality wines sourced from the best growing regions California has to offer.
Winery Overview PDF
Learn more at www.martinraywinery.com.
