Martin Ray
2019 Chardonnay
, Dutton Ranch
Russian River Valley
95 Points - James Suckling, October 2020
Vibrant lemon zest, cooked-apple, fresh peach, and racy minerality with touches of Acacia flower. Layers of praline, subtle pear and underripe nectarine beneath mouthwatering acidity. This offers a clean, linear palate with soft vanilla undertones. Opulent, yet in check. Full-bodied and layered. Very long and flavorful.
VINEYARDS
Located in the heart of Green Valley, this vineyard possesses the rare combination of excellent soil, old vines and ideal cool climate. Planted to Goldridge fine sandy loam, it is southwest facing and sees long periods of morning fog and cool coastal wind in the evening.
VINTAGE
Starting with rain during bloom, 2019 transitioned into a steady, slow to warm spring. Temperate throughout the summer, offering only a couple intermittent heat spikes. Average yields and incredible quality with harvest beginning in early August.
WINEMAKING
Gently whole cluster pressed, cold-settled for two days, then racked to concrete eggs where it is inoculated with yeast and sur lie aged until malolactic fermentation complete. The wine is then racked into concrete eggs for 10 months aging.
Vintage: 2019
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard: Mill Station Vineyard of Dutton Ranch
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Aging: Concrete eggs for 10 months
Brix: 23.9?
pH: 3.45
TA: 0.59 g/100ml
Alcohol %: 13.9%
Tasting Notes 
PDF
Located in the heart of Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California, this historic winery site was established in 1881 and is one of the oldest continuously operated winery in Sonoma County. Courtney purchased the winery in 2003, continually striving to modernizer the facility while incorporating elements of it’s history. The Russian River Valley appellation is most well-known for the varietals Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which thrive in a cool climate with morning fog and moderate temperatures due to the coastal influence. This ideal location intiated replanting in 2011 of very own 12 acres of estate Pinot Noir vineyards, including two acres of the Martin Ray Heritage Clone 37.
Winery Overview PDF
Learn more at www.martinraywinery.com.
