Dec 30, 2022
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Martin Ray Winery
| Owner(s) | Courtney Benham |
| Web site | www.martinray-winery.com |
| Link to this site |
The historic Martini & Pratti Winery was acquired by Courtney Benham in 2003 and renamed Martin Ray Winery. Benham acquired the rights to the Martin Ray label and 1,500 cases of leftover Martin Ray inventory from Ray's family. in 1990. Benham sold Blackstone Winery and focused on Martin Ray. He gradually collected new vineyard sources and retained a number of old sources.
There are two lines of wines: Angeline and Martin Ray. The winemaker is Bill Batchelor and winemaking consultant is Dan Goldfield. The viticulturist is Jerry Quirk. Multiple varieties are produced including a Martin Ray Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County, and Reserve Pinot Noirs from Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, and Sonoma Coast. A more value-oriented line of wines is produced under the Angeline Winery name. Annual production is 45,000 cases.
The tasting room, dating to the 1900s, is open daily (Thursday thru Monday during the Winter). 219 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa, CA. 707-823-2404
Articles About Martin Ray Winery
2014 California Value Priced Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2014 California Value Priced Pinot Noir First Team All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
Are There Any Under $30 2018 Domestic Pinot Noirs Worth Drinking? 30 Prospects Priced Less Than $30 (12.10 11/11/2020)
New-Found Value in Pinot Noir (12.23 10/10/2021)
Pinot Noir Rosé is REAL Wine...Honestly (10.29 4/22/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay & Outliers (9.43 7/19/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Chardonnay (10.29 4/22/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (10.29 4/22/2016)
Supermarket Pinot (11.11 10/8/2017)
Reviewed Wines
2019 Martin Ray Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $14.99 (Costco), screw cap.
·
Moderately light garnet
color in the glass. Aromas of raspberry, baked cherry and purple grape fade in the glass over time.
Middleweight flavors of black cherry and raspberry with a hint of oak. A little shallow on the mid-palate and
finish but the wine’s bright acidity offers some redemption. Seems to me like a de-classified wine.
Score: 89.
Reviewed October 10, 2021
ARTICLE »
2018 Martin Ray Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $14.99, screw cap (Bottle Barn, Santa Rosa, CA).
Vinted and bottled by Martin Ray Winery, Santa Rosa, CA.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Deep
aromas of dark cherry, cola and cardamom spice. A flood of well-ripened boysenberry, black raspberry and
blackberry fruit flavors greet the palate. More richness and tannic backbone than most wines in this price
category with the somewhat potent tannins evident on the long finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed November 12, 2020
ARTICLE »
2018 Martin Ray Hallberg Ranch Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 300 cases, $27.50 (Wine Slash - original
SRP $45). Produced and bottled by Martin Ray Winery, Santa Rosa,
CA. Best of Class, Double Gold 2020 Sonoma County Harvest Fair.
Aged 12 months in new French oak barrels.
·
Dark garnet color in the
glass. Pleasing aromas of black cherry cola, dark red rose petal and a
hint of soap. The enchanting velvety texture is alcohol driven in this
mid-weight styled wine offering charming black cherry and spice
flavors. Impressive fruit presence and pedigree with submerged
tannins. My only nit is the slightest sense of alcoholic warmth.
Score: 92.
Reviewed November 12, 2020
ARTICLE »
2015 Martin Ray Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
$20, screwcap. Estate grown. Clones 943 and 115. Produced
by the saignée method by which grapes are crushed to a
stainless steel tank, allowed 6 to 8 hours of skin contact, then
drained to stainless tanks and fermented with proprietary
yeasts.
·
Moderate pink color in the glass. The most inviting
nose of the wines tasted in this feature, offering aromas of
blood orange, strawberry, apple, lime and watermelon. Vivid flavors echo
the nose with added hints of cherry and pink grapefruit. This is a deftly
balanced and refreshing wine that will turn you on to Pinot Noir rosé.
Score: 92.
Reviewed April 22, 2016
ARTICLE »
2015 Martin Ray Sonoma County Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $22.84 - $6.85, screwcap. Vinted and
bottled by Martin Ray Winery, Santa Rosa, CA. Bill Batchelor is the winemaker.
·
Moderate garnet
color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of dark cherry, timber and Asian 5-spice. A friendly
mid weight wine with flavors of black cherry and black raspberry framed by easygoing tannins and
juicy acidity. A touch of oak adds interest. I like this wine for everyday drinking.
Score: 89.
Reviewed October 8, 2017
ARTICLE »
2013 Martin Ray Mill Station Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.5%
alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.68, $35. Harvest Brix 23.9º. Barrel fermented with select yeast strains. Aged 12
months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Hi-tone
aromas of lemon zest, banana creme, and cookie dough lead to relatively light, but bright and clean
flavors of lemon creme, peach, and pineapple with a hint of vanilla and spice. Slightly creamy in the
mouth with a refreshing finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed April 22, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Martin Ray Reserve Dark Star Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.56, $40.
Sourced from a small hillside vineyard overlooking the town of Freestone in the southwestern corner of the
Russian River Valley AVA. 100% de-stemmed, each clone fermented separately and aged individually for 16
months in French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is reluctant,
even over time in the glass. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, no
fruit emerged, leaving only toast and vanilla aromas. Not particularly expressive on the palate either, with a mid
weight plus charge of blackberry, black cherry and plum fruit flavors accented with vanilla and toasty oak. The
tannins and acidity are well managed, but the oak imprint is too aggressive. Unchanged the following day from
a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Cellaring may bring out more character.
Score: 88.
Reviewed April 22, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Martin Ray Reserve Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.54,
$40. Released January 2015. Sourced from Tina Maria Vineyard and nearby Marty’s Vineyard of Dutton
Ranch. Harvest Brix 24.4º. Saignéed for concentration, 3-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation in open-top bins,
basket pressed, and aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the
glass. Pleasant aromas of black cherry and spice lead to a mid weight plus wine featuring vibrant flavors of
dark red and black berries and Damsel plum. A slight riff of earthiness and oak seasoning is complimentary.
More uplifting and fresh than the Sonoma Coast bottling with some intensity on the clean finish.
Score: 89.
Reviewed April 22, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Martin Ray Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.61, $40. Released March
2015. Sourced from Emeritus Vineyard in Annapolis. Harvest Brix 24.6º. Grapes are de-stemmed, saignéed for
concentration, 3-day cold soak, nearly 33% whole cluster, 10-day fermentation in open-top bins, and aged 15
months in French oak barrels, 60% new, with monthly battonage.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in the glass.
Shy aromas of blackberry jam and turned earth. Mid weight plus flavors of créme de cassis, blackberry and
subtle dried herbs. Somewhat brooding and thick, with a balanced structure and some cut on the fruit-driven
finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine still lacked
character with the fruit seemingly asleep. Perhaps cellaring will prove of benefit.
Score: 88.
Reviewed April 22, 2016
ARTICLE »
2012 Martin Ray Reserve Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1%
alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.54, $35. Released November 2013. Tasting room only. Sourced
from the Tina Marie Vineyard. Harvest Brix 24.4º. 100% de-stemmed, aged 11
months in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the
glass. Very exotic aromas of spice, wild berries and earthy flora. Delicious essence
of fresh black raspberries and blackberries that makes a statement on the mid palate. A touch of
spicy oak adds interest, the acidity is nicely integrated, and the tannins are soft and composed. A
stunning wine that finishes with uncommon length. Wow!
Score: 94.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Martin Ray Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.63, $35. Released June
2014. Tasting room only. Aged 16 months in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish
purple color in the glass. Grandiose aromas of boysenberry jam, spiced black cherries, and
earthy flora. Mid to full-bodied cherry fruit graced by sinewy tannins and a touch of oak. A
little wild and feral in nature. Very intriguing with a good thrust of fruit on the aromatic finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Martin Ray Reserve Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.60, $40. Released
November 2013. Sourced from Cooper-Garrod Vineyards. Aged 12 months in 40% new French oak
barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is really elevating over time in
the glass, offering aromas of black cherry, spice, dark chocolate and wet clay. Mid to full-bodied core
of fresh dark cherries, black raspberries and plums with an earthy undertone. Fine-grain tannins
create a satisfying mouth feel, and a deep, generous dark cherry and berry finish leaves a pleasant
smile. This wine becomes more interesting over time, always a sign of age ability.
Score: 91.
Reviewed July 19, 2014
ARTICLE »
2019 Martin Ray Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $14.99 (Costco), screw cap. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of raspberry, baked cherry and purple grape fade in the glass over time. Middleweight flavors of black cherry and raspberry with a hint of oak. A little shallow on the mid-palate and finish but the wine’s bright acidity offers some redemption. Seems to me like a de-classified wine. Score: 89. Reviewed October 10, 2021 ARTICLE »
2018 Martin Ray Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $14.99, screw cap (Bottle Barn, Santa Rosa, CA). Vinted and bottled by Martin Ray Winery, Santa Rosa, CA. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Deep aromas of dark cherry, cola and cardamom spice. A flood of well-ripened boysenberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors greet the palate. More richness and tannic backbone than most wines in this price category with the somewhat potent tannins evident on the long finish. Score: 89. Reviewed November 12, 2020 ARTICLE »
2018 Martin Ray Hallberg Ranch Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 300 cases, $27.50 (Wine Slash - original SRP $45). Produced and bottled by Martin Ray Winery, Santa Rosa, CA. Best of Class, Double Gold 2020 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Aged 12 months in new French oak barrels. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of black cherry cola, dark red rose petal and a hint of soap. The enchanting velvety texture is alcohol driven in this mid-weight styled wine offering charming black cherry and spice flavors. Impressive fruit presence and pedigree with submerged tannins. My only nit is the slightest sense of alcoholic warmth. Score: 92. Reviewed November 12, 2020 ARTICLE »
2015 Martin Ray Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
$20, screwcap. Estate grown. Clones 943 and 115. Produced by the saignée method by which grapes are crushed to a stainless steel tank, allowed 6 to 8 hours of skin contact, then drained to stainless tanks and fermented with proprietary yeasts. · Moderate pink color in the glass. The most inviting nose of the wines tasted in this feature, offering aromas of blood orange, strawberry, apple, lime and watermelon. Vivid flavors echo the nose with added hints of cherry and pink grapefruit. This is a deftly balanced and refreshing wine that will turn you on to Pinot Noir rosé. Score: 92. Reviewed April 22, 2016 ARTICLE »
2015 Martin Ray Sonoma County Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $22.84 - $6.85, screwcap. Vinted and bottled by Martin Ray Winery, Santa Rosa, CA. Bill Batchelor is the winemaker. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of dark cherry, timber and Asian 5-spice. A friendly mid weight wine with flavors of black cherry and black raspberry framed by easygoing tannins and juicy acidity. A touch of oak adds interest. I like this wine for everyday drinking. Score: 89. Reviewed October 8, 2017 ARTICLE »
2013 Martin Ray Mill Station Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.68, $35. Harvest Brix 23.9º. Barrel fermented with select yeast strains. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Hi-tone aromas of lemon zest, banana creme, and cookie dough lead to relatively light, but bright and clean flavors of lemon creme, peach, and pineapple with a hint of vanilla and spice. Slightly creamy in the mouth with a refreshing finish. Score: 89. Reviewed April 22, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Martin Ray Reserve Dark Star Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.56, $40. Sourced from a small hillside vineyard overlooking the town of Freestone in the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley AVA. 100% de-stemmed, each clone fermented separately and aged individually for 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is reluctant, even over time in the glass. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, no fruit emerged, leaving only toast and vanilla aromas. Not particularly expressive on the palate either, with a mid weight plus charge of blackberry, black cherry and plum fruit flavors accented with vanilla and toasty oak. The tannins and acidity are well managed, but the oak imprint is too aggressive. Unchanged the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Cellaring may bring out more character. Score: 88. Reviewed April 22, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Martin Ray Reserve Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.54, $40. Released January 2015. Sourced from Tina Maria Vineyard and nearby Marty’s Vineyard of Dutton Ranch. Harvest Brix 24.4º. Saignéed for concentration, 3-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation in open-top bins, basket pressed, and aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of black cherry and spice lead to a mid weight plus wine featuring vibrant flavors of dark red and black berries and Damsel plum. A slight riff of earthiness and oak seasoning is complimentary. More uplifting and fresh than the Sonoma Coast bottling with some intensity on the clean finish. Score: 89. Reviewed April 22, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Martin Ray Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.61, $40. Released March 2015. Sourced from Emeritus Vineyard in Annapolis. Harvest Brix 24.6º. Grapes are de-stemmed, saignéed for concentration, 3-day cold soak, nearly 33% whole cluster, 10-day fermentation in open-top bins, and aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 60% new, with monthly battonage. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of blackberry jam and turned earth. Mid weight plus flavors of créme de cassis, blackberry and subtle dried herbs. Somewhat brooding and thick, with a balanced structure and some cut on the fruit-driven finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine still lacked character with the fruit seemingly asleep. Perhaps cellaring will prove of benefit. Score: 88. Reviewed April 22, 2016 ARTICLE »
2012 Martin Ray Reserve Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.54, $35. Released November 2013. Tasting room only. Sourced from the Tina Marie Vineyard. Harvest Brix 24.4º. 100% de-stemmed, aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Very exotic aromas of spice, wild berries and earthy flora. Delicious essence of fresh black raspberries and blackberries that makes a statement on the mid palate. A touch of spicy oak adds interest, the acidity is nicely integrated, and the tannins are soft and composed. A stunning wine that finishes with uncommon length. Wow! Score: 94. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Martin Ray Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.63, $35. Released June 2014. Tasting room only. Aged 16 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Grandiose aromas of boysenberry jam, spiced black cherries, and earthy flora. Mid to full-bodied cherry fruit graced by sinewy tannins and a touch of oak. A little wild and feral in nature. Very intriguing with a good thrust of fruit on the aromatic finish. Score: 92. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Martin Ray Reserve Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., pH 3.60, $40. Released November 2013. Sourced from Cooper-Garrod Vineyards. Aged 12 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is really elevating over time in the glass, offering aromas of black cherry, spice, dark chocolate and wet clay. Mid to full-bodied core of fresh dark cherries, black raspberries and plums with an earthy undertone. Fine-grain tannins create a satisfying mouth feel, and a deep, generous dark cherry and berry finish leaves a pleasant smile. This wine becomes more interesting over time, always a sign of age ability. Score: 91. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »