Red Wines    Pinot Noir    Central Coast    California   
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Date Printed: 5/22/2013
Martin Ray Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2009
Martin Ray Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2009
 (search item no. 108091)

PRICE ON 5/22/2013: $18.29

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2008 Wine Enthusiast rating: 89 points

Winemaker's Notes:

 The Martin Ray 2009 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir is a striking blend of grapes grown in the cool coastal area of the Santa Maria Valley and the Los Alamos appellations. The east-west running valley opens up to the Pacific Ocean, allowing the inland flow of fog and ocean breezes, making this region one of the coolest viticultural areas in California, with a long, steady growing season. Pinot Noir grapes from this region have intense berry flavors and rich colors due to the many microclimates of the valley.

Our goal is to allow the wine to develop its own depth and distinctive characteristics. Three days """cold soaked", fermented at moderate temperatures and twelve months of aging in French oak barrels develops a rounder, creamier texture in the wine. The 2009 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir has a deep, brick red hue and lovely aromas of rose petal, violet, earth, spice and ripe berries. The soft, textured palate is layered with flavors of strawberry, raspberry and ripe fruit. This Pinot has a full finish with moderate toasty French oak.

Try this Pinot Noir paired with poached salmon in cream sauce, pork with mushrooms or roasted Cornish game hen.
My Notes:

Additional wines from Martin Ray:

About Martin Ray:

 Courtney Benham acquired the historic Martini & Prati winery in July 2003, which is now Martin Ray Winery and the home of their new Tasting Room. The Tasting Room structure, dating back to the 1900's, used to serve as a stable and bunkhouse where Italian immigrants stayed during harvest and crush. The winery also houses a 1 million gallon production facility that is used not only for wine production, but also as a 'custom crush' facility where over 20 clients crush their grapes and produce their wine.

Established in 1881 as the Twin Fir Winery, the historic site is distinguished as the oldest winery in continuous operation in Sonoma County and one of the oldest wineries in California. The winery was able to stay in operation during prohibition by selling sacramental wines by train to Rabbis through a winery in New York. Originally known as Martini & Prati, which was established in 1902, the winery was run by five generations of the Martini family and associated with the local Italian-American community that still includes the Sebastiani's, the Foppiano's, the Pedroncelli's and the Seghesio's.