Martin Ray
2018 Pinot Noir
, Santa Cruz Mountains
Coast Grade Vineyard
Limited Availability
Bright, focused and wonderfully energetic! Earthy notes of cherry bark, black raspberry, and cola nut, with touches of sweet clove and orange zest. Fresh pomegranate juice with herbaceous notes of spearmint, evergreen and a subtle hint of lemon verbena, flanked by racy acidity, refined tannins and a subtle salinity. With its highly structured tannins, this wine sets itself apart with a leaner core of focused acidity, earthiness, raw herbaceous character and silky finish.
Savory, balanced, silky layers, focused acidity.
Drink now or hold on to as many bottles as you can. You will be rewarded.
VINEYARDS
Located in the high stony slopes of the coastal side of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the heart of Bonny Doon. Attentively farmed by Jim Beauregard and his family, these are steep hillside vineyards that enjoy morning and evening fog from the San Francisco Bay.
VINTAGE NOTES
From start to finish, 2018 was a very steady season, offering weather that was reminiscent of years prior to drought. Higher than average yields and excellent quality brought about a fruitful harvest beginning in late August.
WINEMAKING NOTES
Fermented separately in small open-top fermenters with gentle punch-downs. Maintained at moderate temperatures until dry, basket-pressed, and racked to 40% new French oak barrels for 14 months.
Vintage: 2018
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Coast Grade Vineyard
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains
Aging: 40% new French oak barrels for 14 months.
Brix: 23.7
pH: 3.72
TA: 0.55 g/100ml
Alcohol: 13.5%
Tasting Notes
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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
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Learn more at www.martinraywinery.com.