Martin Ray helped shape California wine, championing single‑varietal, site‑specific bottlings in the Santa Cruz Mountains from the 1940s through the early 1970s. His legacy inspired Courtney Benham, who discovered forgotten cases of Ray’s wines decades later and revived the brand with a commitment to terroir‑driven, artisanal production. Since establishing its home in the Russian River Valley in 2003, Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery has carried forward Ray’s philosophy of crafting “wines of place,” offering a deep, region‑spanning portfolio that highlights some of California’s most celebrated growing areas—from the Russian River Valley to Napa and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
This Cabernet is bold and expressive, opening with aromas of black cherry and licorice, layered with subtle notes of smoked bacon and dried herbs. The palate is richly textured, showing flavors of mint chocolate, plum, and milk chocolate, carried by fine, chalky tannins that lend structure and grace. A seamless finish lingers with depth and finesse, capturing the essence of Napa Valley.
93 James Suckling Wow, a fresh-tasting, well-balanced Napa cabernet at a very affordable price. It offers raspberries, black cherries and hints of black olives, sage and cocoa on a moderately tannic texture. It shows good concentration and is enjoyable even at this young age.
