Martin Ray
2022 Chardonnay
, Santa Cruz Mountains

93 Points, James Suckling

Succulent poached pear, and lively tropical notes with touches of honeysuckle on the nose.  A broad palate, boasting fresh lemon zest, and apricot, with subtle almond and sweetgrass.  Hints of coriander on the finish with a lasting minerality framed by linear acidity.  Loads of generous fruit yet remains fresh on the finish with tangy undertones.  Hard to resist.  Enjoy now and hold some more in your cellar.

A true representation of cool climate, high-elevation Chardonnay, ripe fruit, incredible concentration, framed by great acidity and a 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
Vineyards: Cooper-Garrod Vineyard, Regan Vineyards
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

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