Martin Ray Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
-
Spectator
Wine -
Suckling
James -
Wong
Wilfred
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Never one to shyly blend in with the crowd, this wine's depth and boisterousness is its most notable strength. With deep red hues of ripened black cherry, wild boysenberry, and candied red apple, layered on more savory notes of smoky cayenne pepper, savory black trumpet mushrooms, and aromatic dried lavender and spearmint, this wine has a very welcome wild side. The palate is defined by its solid tannins, bright natural acidity,and graphite-like minerality with a deep, dark chocolate finish.
Pair alongside grilled veal chop with wild mushrooms and roasted garlic.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Spectator
What beautiful aromas of blackcurrants and pine needles with hints of fresh herbs. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Savory and juicy at the end. Give it a year or two more but already a beauty.
-
James Suckling
What beautiful aromas of blackcurrants and pine needles with hints of fresh herbs. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Savory and juicy at the end. Give it a year or two more but already a beauty.
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Martin Ray, one of the oldest iconic names in California wine history. The winery brand has changed over the years and been able to stay current with winemaking trends. The 2016 Martin Ray Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon from the Santa Cruz Mountains shows us how excellent this wine region is. TASTING NOTES: This wine displays outstanding balance and true-to-the-area nuances. Its aromas and flavors show red raspberry fruit and earthy notes that would work well with a savory lamb stew. (Tasted: October 23, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
Other Vintages
2020-
Suckling
James
-
Suckling
James
-
Suckling
James
-
Suckling
James -
Enthusiast
Wine
-
Suckling
James
-
Suckling
James -
Spectator
Wine
-
Wong
Wilfred
-
Spirits
Wine &
-
Enthusiast
Wine
-
Spectator
Wine
The name Martin Ray resonates deeply in the history of California Winemaking. Martin Ray was a pioneer, dedicated to crafting single varietal, region specific wine from 1943 through 1972 in Saratoga, in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Mentored by Paul Masson, he took a Burgundian approach to his winemaking, and developed what is now one of the most historical properties in California, known as Mount Eden.Nearly twenty years later, Courtney Benham stumbled upon 1500 cases of Martin Ray wine in a San Jose warehouse. Recognizing his good fortune, and his intent and drive to produce terroir driven wines, Ray’s historical significance and philosophy resonated with him. Courtney purchased the brand, and since 1990 has been committed to the production of artisanal wines worthy of the Martin Ray name.In 2003, Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery made its home in the Russian River Valley, one of the oldest continually working wineries in California. Today, Courtney and his winemaking team devote themselves to Ray’s ideology of making “wines of place”. They are relentlessat telling the story of wine. The depth of the portfolio offers those seeking a unique experience the chance to explore some of the most revered regionsin California. Fromthe Russian River Valley to Napa Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains, there is an abundance of phenomenal growing regions, great farming, and meticulous detail to vintages.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
A rugged and topographically diverse cool-climate appellation with a rich history, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA stretches from Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco, to the northern border of Monterey County. Elevations range from 800 feet to upwards of 3,000 and microclimates vary substantially depending on which side of the mountains the vineyards lie; cool ocean winds and fog play an important role here. This can be a challenging region in which to grow grapes, but it is well worth the effort. Santa Cruz Mountains wines are noted for balanced acidity levels, often showing great aging potential. Wine has been made here since the 1800s, most notably from the legendary Ridge Vineyards, whose Monte Bello vineyard garners international admiration.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the stars of this region, while Merlot and Zinfandel also perform quite well. Organic and sustainable vineyard practices are becoming increasingly common.