Martin Ray
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
, Napa Valley
Diamond Mountain District
95 Points, James Suckling
Plush with marionberries, dried black currants, and white pepper built on a core of fresh plum and olive tapenade. A striking mineral-driven backbone with touches of wintergreen, and graphite, backed by fleshy acidity, and firm creamy tannins. Firm and polished with a velvety texture. Offers a flavorful and long satisfying finish. This wine has a long life ahead and is truly intended for aging.
One of their most gripping and complex Cabernet's with depth and concentration that only comes from a high elevation, small, premier appellation.
VINEYARDS
Diamond Mountain Vineyard is high above the fog line, the unique mountain vineyard sites provide a variety of nutrient-rich soils, superior exposure to sunlight and evening cooling.
WINEMAKING NOTES
Fermented in small 4-6 ton open top fermenters, with thrice daily pump overs for cap management. Upon finishing fermentation the wine is allowed to rest on its skins for up to a month. Aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months.
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.
Consulting Winemaker: Keith Emerson
Vintage: 2019
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Diamond Mountain Vineyard
Appellation: Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley
Aging: Aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months.
Brix: 27.2
pH: 3.79
TA: 0.55 g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.8%
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.
