Martin Ray Santa Cruz Pinot Noir 2021
This terroir-driven red wine originates from the United States, specifically from the premier Santa Cruz Mountains AVA in California. Martin Ray was a pivotal figure in California winemaking, modeling his practices after Burgundy and becoming the first American vintner to designate Pinot Noir on his label. The winery's heritage is deeply rooted in these mountains, and the winemaking philosophy for this label emphasizes a "hands-off" approach, utilizing small-lot fermentation and French oak to ensure the rugged mountain character shines through.
Wine Description
Martin Ray Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir presents a vibrant and expressive profile. Sourced primarily from high-altitude sites like the Coast Grade Vineyard situated at 1,100 feet near a limestone quarry the sensory profile features a nose of deep wild cherry, pomegranate, and black raspberry. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and "silky," showcasing layers of earthy sage, nutmeg, and a hint of red chili powder. It is characterized by its focused acidity, refined tannins, and a persistent minerality that reflects the complex schist and limestone soils of the region. This 100% Pinot Noir is typically matured in French oak and bottled with minimal intervention. While the winery manages some heritage sites organically, this specific bottling is not certified organic.
93 Points - James Suckling: “Full-bodied and very structured pinot with iron, bark, mushroom and forest f lowers. Tannins flow across the palate. One for the cellar. Try after 2025.”
This terroir-driven red wine originates from the United States, specifically from the premier Santa Cruz Mountains AVA in California. Martin Ray was a pivotal figure in California winemaking, modeling his practices after Burgundy and becoming the first American vintner to designate Pinot Noir on his label. The winery's heritage is deeply rooted in these mountains, and the winemaking philosophy for this label emphasizes a "hands-off" approach, utilizing small-lot fermentation and French oak to ensure the rugged mountain character shines through.
Wine Description
Martin Ray Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir presents a vibrant and expressive profile. Sourced primarily from high-altitude sites like the Coast Grade Vineyard situated at 1,100 feet near a limestone quarry the sensory profile features a nose of deep wild cherry, pomegranate, and black raspberry. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and "silky," showcasing layers of earthy sage, nutmeg, and a hint of red chili powder. It is characterized by its focused acidity, refined tannins, and a persistent minerality that reflects the complex schist and limestone soils of the region. This 100% Pinot Noir is typically matured in French oak and bottled with minimal intervention. While the winery manages some heritage sites organically, this specific bottling is not certified organic.
93 Points - James Suckling: “Full-bodied and very structured pinot with iron, bark, mushroom and forest f lowers. Tannins flow across the palate. One for the cellar. Try after 2025.”
Description
This terroir-driven red wine originates from the United States, specifically from the premier Santa Cruz Mountains AVA in California. Martin Ray was a pivotal figure in California winemaking, modeling his practices after Burgundy and becoming the first American vintner to designate Pinot Noir on his label. The winery's heritage is deeply rooted in these mountains, and the winemaking philosophy for this label emphasizes a "hands-off" approach, utilizing small-lot fermentation and French oak to ensure the rugged mountain character shines through.
Wine Description
Martin Ray Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir presents a vibrant and expressive profile. Sourced primarily from high-altitude sites like the Coast Grade Vineyard situated at 1,100 feet near a limestone quarry the sensory profile features a nose of deep wild cherry, pomegranate, and black raspberry. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and "silky," showcasing layers of earthy sage, nutmeg, and a hint of red chili powder. It is characterized by its focused acidity, refined tannins, and a persistent minerality that reflects the complex schist and limestone soils of the region. This 100% Pinot Noir is typically matured in French oak and bottled with minimal intervention. While the winery manages some heritage sites organically, this specific bottling is not certified organic.
93 Points - James Suckling: “Full-bodied and very structured pinot with iron, bark, mushroom and forest f lowers. Tannins flow across the palate. One for the cellar. Try after 2025.”
