Martin Ray
2020 Cabernet Sauvignon
, Stags Leap District
Napa Valley
93 Points, James Suckling
Cherry and black raspberry and chaparral on the nose. Currant, blackberry, mulberry and white pepper offer a savory finish that contrasts the hints of vanilla. Always the most accessible of their Napa Cabernets. Defined by its subtlety, this bottling offers bright red fruits, graceful mouthfeel, and sinewy tannins. Medium body. Racy, fine finish. Very drinkable now and will only get better with time in the cellar.
VINEYARDS
From a collection of tiny vineyard blocks encompassing several row orientations and slopes, all carefully planted to optimize sun exposure, in soil that is composed of ancient volcanic alluvial runoff.
WINEMAKING NOTES
Fermented in small 4-6 ton open top fermenters. Maintained moderate temperature until dry, and then basket pressed. Aged in 45% new French oak for 18 months.
VINTAGE
Although 2020 was met with several hurdles, from historical fires to a global pandemic, we will forever recall the vintage to be one of resilience, perseverance, and unity. Shifts in temperature throughout the season resulted in shorter hangtime and lower yields, but the fruit retained bright acidity, resulting in lively wines. Diligence in testing coupled with a dedicated team proved key to navigating 2020. While yields may be a bit lessened, quality was fantastic.
Consulting Winemaker: Keith Emerson
Vintage: 2020
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
Aging: Aged in 45% new French oak for 18 months.
Brix: 24.6
pH: 3.79
TA: 0.58 g/100ml
Alcohol: 13.8%
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.
