Martin Ray
2023 Chardonnay
, Russian River Valley
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 mineral finish.
Hard to resist now and will be rewarded with additional cellar aging.
VINEYARDS
From the coolest pockets spanning the Russian River 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 while maintaining ample acidity.
WINEMAKING NOTES
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.
VINTAGE
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.
Vintage: 2023
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Aging: 100% Concrete egg
Brix: 22.8
pH: 3.3
TA: 6.2 g/L
Release Date: June 2024
Alcohol: 13.5%
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.
