Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesLots of blackcurrant and black-truffle aromas that follow through to a full body with soft and creamy tannins and a savory finish. Fantastic value. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
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.
Thirty 11,000 gallon old-growth redwood tanks dating back to 1904 are still used at the winery and can be viewed during the winery tour. French oak barrels are primarily used due to its superb quality and oak accents that give the wines vanilla, spice and often herbaceous aromas and flavor. Most of the barrels are used for 5 to 6 years, depending upon the percentages of new, neutral and old wood they want to use on a particular wine.
Beginning a new era for Martin Ray Winery at this historic site in the Russian River Valley has given them the opportunity to create a home for the Martin Ray and Angeline wines in a very unique and inviting setting. Visit us soon to experience Martin Ray Winery first-hand!
Covering the most vine acreage in the state compared to any other red wine variety, Cabernet Sauvignon produces as much wine in California as Merlot and Pinot Noir combined. The state’s diverse terrain and microclimates, as well as the freedom of its winemakers, allow for an incredible range of wine styles from this single grape.
California’s most famous region—and especially for Cabernet Sauvignon—is the acclaimed Napa Valley. While Cabernet is successful throughout the world, rarely has it achieved such merit as it does from the Napa Valley. At this point the two are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other.
Napa’s closest neighbor, Sonoma County, does an impressive job keeping up with Napa’s fame and glory. Alexander Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Moon Mountain and Knights Valley contribute to the lot of some of California’s top-rated Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lake County in California’s North Coast has become a focus for some of Napa’s more respected growers. From the Central Coast come iconic examples of classic California Cabernet; Lodi and the Sierra Foothills are great budget-friendly sources of amicable Cabernets.