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2023 Martin Ray Concrete Russian River Valley Chardonnay
2023 Martin Ray Concrete Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Martin Ray
2023 Chardonnay
, Russian River Valley
Concrete

92 Points, James Suckling

Aromas of Granny Smith apple, Bartlett pear, and lemon pith with hints of ginger.  Juicy citrus throughout, with a touch of pineapple, and a subtle salinity that carries. Round and full, with ample acidity, and a linear core that cuts through layers of fruit.  A true representation of cool-climate Chardonnay, this wine offers ripe fruit with incredible concentration, framed by lively acidity and minerality. 

Hard to resist now and will be rewarded with additional cellar aging.

Vintage
2022 was a winter abundant in rain and cool temperatures led to late budbreak and a temperate spring.  Moderate temperatures throughout the summer, with few heat spikes allowed for even ripening with higher-than-average yields.  This long growing season resulted in ideal phenolic ripeness, with the fruit retaining its natural acidity, while developing incredible concentration.

Winemaking
Fermented and aged exclusively in concrete eggs.  Gently whole cluster pressed, cold-settled for two days, with only native yeast fermentation. The wine was then racked into vessels and aged on the lees for 6 months.

Vineyard
From the coolest pockets spanning the valley, each site experiences its own distinct microclimate.  Low-laying fog in the morning with ample sun exposure in the afternoon, and cool evening breezes help develop complex fruit profiles but maintain ample acidity.

Vintage:  2023
Varietal Composition:  100% Chardonnay
Appellation:  Russian River Valley
Aging:  100% Concrete egg
Brix:  22.8
pH:  3.3
TA:  6.2 g/100ml
Release Date:  June 2024
Alcohol:  13.5%

Tasting Notes PDF PDF


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