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Martin Ray

While it has changed hands numerous times over the last 130 years, the site of Martin Ray Winery is the oldest in continuous operation in Sonoma County. In 1990, Martin Ray Vineyards was purchased by winemaker Courtney Benham whose mission is was to “produce wines whose quality would make Martin Ray himself proud”. In 2003, he acquired the old Martini & Prati Winery which is now the home to the Martin Ray Winery and Tasting Room. There are thirty 11,000 gallon redwood tanks that date back to the early 1900s when the Martini family owned the winery. These tanks are now used to hold Martin Ray wines and have become quite the spectacle during the winery tour. Martin Ray is also responsible for the Angeline line of wines which includes a Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. While Martin Ray produces Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir, it is their Cabernet Sauvignon that is most impressive according to our Martin Ray wine ratings. Their prime vineyards are located in the Diamond Mountain District and the Stag’s Leap District garnishing some of the best fruit for their top tier reserve Cabs. For a full compilation of all our rated Martin Ray wines be sure to check out our Martin Ray reviews.

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Showing 1 thru -9 of 137
95
points

Martin Ray 2005 Synthesis Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

  1. $75
This is the most expensive of Martin Ray’s current releases and it’s easily the best. Dense and layered, it immediately seduces for its softly lush flavors of blackberries, currants, anise, chocolate and sweet smoky oak. Yet it has the tannic complexity to age through 2013 at least. Made from 100% Cab, it’s a blend of their best barrels from Diamond Mountain, Stags…  — S.H.  (10/1/2009)
95
points

Martin Ray 2007 Synthesis Red (Napa Valley)

  • Cellar Selection
  1. $75
A terrific wine, smooth, complex and ageworthy. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon from Diamond Mountain, it shows mountain intensity of fruit, with a molten core of blackberries and black currants. The tannins are bigtime, yet smooth and refined in the modern style, and the finish is elaborate in fruits and spices. A monument to what this fine winery can achieve at the top…  — S.H.  (3/1/2012)
94
points

Martin Ray 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Diamond Mountain)

  • Cellar Selection
  1. $50
I love this wine for its heft, polish and sheer razzle-dazzle. It wows with fruity intensity and flatters with decadence, yet never loses elegance and harmony. Rich in ripe, sweet tannins, and succulent in cassis, cocoa and smoky new oak flavors, it’s an ager. Drink now through 2015.  — S.H.  (4/1/2006)
93
points

Martin Ray 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains)

  1. $50
This concentrated and intense mountain Cabernet is an obvious cellar candidate. Its huge tannins fan out across the palate, leaving behind a dusty astringency. Yet it’s so sweet in chocolate and black currant fruit that it’s drinkable right away. Should easily make it to the 20-year mark.  — S.H.  (5/1/2005)
93
points

Martin Ray 2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Diamond Mountain)

  • Cellar Selection
  1. $60
The tannic structure of this Cab is front and center, both anchoring the wine and making it inaccessible now. But there’s little doubt about its ageability. The balance is great, and the heart of blackberry and cherry fruit is just bursting to get out. Defines Napa mountain Cab, and needs to be cellared. Should hit its stride in 2011 and hold for another 10 years.  — S.H.  (9/1/2006)
93
points

Martin Ray 2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains)

  • Cellar Selection
  1. $60
A worthy followup to the 2001, it’s not as voluptuous, but is better structured and is likely more ageworthy. The wine is tannic, but balanced and rich in Cabernet fruit. It has that edge of elegant complexity that marks a great wine. Drink now–2015.  — S.H.  (9/1/2006)
93
points

Martin Ray 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains)

  1. $60
I love this Cab for its dryness, richness and balance. It’s a lovely wine, poised between thick tannins, crisp acids, ripe blackberry fruit and ample new oak, but it is young. As polished as it is now, it should soften and sweeten with a few years of bottle age. Best 2007–2010.  — S.H.  (2/1/2007)
93
points

Martin Ray 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Stags Leap District)

  1. $40
This is the first Stags Leap wine I’ve ever had from Martin Ray, who’s been making Cabs from many other appellations for years. It’s also one of the best Cabs the winery has ever produced. Exceptionally ripe and well-oaked to surround blackberry, blueberry, cherry and currant pie filling flavors, it’s a softly beautiful, complex wine that’s gorgeous now, and should…  — S.H.  (11/1/2007)
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Showing 1 thru -9 of 137
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