Martin Ray
2022 Chardonnay
, Santa Cruz Mountains
93 Points, James Suckling
Juicy pear and lively pineapple with touches of dried apple apricot and honeysuckle on the nose. Round and viscous on the palate, balanced by fresh lemon, layers of citrus and blanched almond. Dense fruit in the center palate yet it remains fresh and vivid at the finish with some tangy undertones. Hard to resist. Enjoy now or hold a few in your cellar.
A true representation of cool climate, high-elevation Chardonnay, ripe fruit, incredible concentration, framed by great acidity and clean mineral finish.
VINTAGE
2022 started early, with bud break in early March. Late spring cold weather, with much-needed precipitation, helped shape the season, in another record drought year. Premature summer warmth, with a record early harvest in late July. While the vintage was marked by incredible variation across each growing region, and low yields throughout, the wines are lively and fruit-forward with balanced tannins.
WINEMAKING
Each lot picked individually at peak ripeness. Gently whole cluster pressed, cold-settled for two days, then racked to 50% Concrete egg, 15% new French oak, neutral barrels and stainless steel. Native yeast fermentation and 100% malolactic fermentation, lees stirred bi-weekly during its 12 months of aging.
VINEYARDS
Each site was planted over 30 years ago and experiences impeccable sun exposure with tremendous diurnal shifts in temperature.
Vintage: 2022
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains
Aging: 50% Concrete egg, 15% New French oak, neutral and stainless barrels
Brix: 21.9
pH: 3.26
TA: 6.3 g/100ml
Release Date: June 2023
Alcohol: 13.9%
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.
