Stores and prices for martin ray red, california prices, stores, tasting notes and market data. I have been a big fan of the incredible wines of martin ray vineyards for many years. Martin rays historical significance continues to be an essential part of california winemaking today, having crafted single varietal, region specific wine from 1943 through 1972. It makes a wide range of wines with emphasis on pinot noir, chardonnay and the bordeaux grape varieties like cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Martin ray vineyards and winery wines limited releases. Masson is a legend in californias wine history as proprietor of paul masson. Stores and prices for martin ray red, california prices, stores, tasting notes and. Mar 05, 2007 the iconoclastic martin ray, who was advised by paul masson to purchase the property and plant grapes there, founded the winery under his own name in 1943, and ran it until difficulties with his. Smalllot attitude in a large wine making footprint. By many accounts, including his own, the wines, sold under the martin ray label. A diverse array of wines are made by this producer including those from grapes merlot, zinfandel. They offer small production, single vineyard wines from the russian river valley and beyond, and are currently offering complimentary shipping on 6.
The band was originally composed of eric martin lead vocals, paul gilbert guitar, backing vocals, billy sheehan bass guitar, backing vocals, and pat torpey drums, percussion, backing vocals. The company was in existence through most of the 20th century, finally disappearing after damage from a 1984 earthquake disrupted their winery. The iconoclastic martin ray, who was advised by paul masson to purchase the property and plant grapes there, founded the winery under his own name in. Sep 20, 2016 a proper visitor center has replaced the original champagnetank tasting room at simi, which spans much of californias winemaking history. Martin ray winery is located in heart of russian river valley, near santa rosa, california. Martin ray is a producer based in santa rosa, california, in the heart of the russian river valley. Meyers of arnotroberts winery called to tell us about an opportunity to work with grapes from vineyards above saratoga steeped in california history. A tribute to the california wine master tastemaker. A global guide to the worlds best bottles the worlds most popular white wine is made in a range of styles. The winery retains much of its old time look to this day and it feels like a.
Martin ray winery 2008 reserve chardonnay the wine spies. I am reminded of it by recalling his accounts of visits to martin rays wineryyikes. Produced by the saignee method by which grapes are crushed to a stainle. Their wines are constant 9095 point scores in wine spectator and wine enthusiast magazines year in and year out. Finesse where it matters with muscle to get it done. From our greeters and tasting hosts to our harvest crew and barrel room staff, we are committed to creating memorable experiences for every visitor and in every bottle.
Mount eden vineyards renowned for world class wines silicon. The company was in existence through most of the 20th century, finally disappearing after damage from a 1984 earthquake disrupted their winery the company had a warehouse in the former virden packing and sainte claire brewery at the corner of. Martin ray winery steeped in wine history, martin ray is the oldest continuouslyoperating winery in california. The tendency is to grade them against each other but this is unjust as each winery has a different approach and potentially a different market. Martin ray red, california prices, stores, tasting notes. Evening with martin ray vineyards and winemaker bill. The story begins with martin meeting paul masson when martin was a teenager a few years before prohibition. We offer a unique and relaxed experience in the heart of west county, offering small production, singlevineyard wines from the russian river, napa, and santa cruz mountains.
In my humble opinion martin ray vineyards makes some of the best wines not only in california, but in the world. Martin rays historical significance continues to be an essential part of california winemaking today, having crafted single varietal, region specific wine from. This biography of martin ray 1904 1976 is unique in that it covers a little known period in the california wine industry from the point of view of someone directly involved. Bruce selected his vineyard site because of its proximity to martin ray and with the belief that the high elevation and mesoclimate of the area would be well suited for growing the burgundian wine grapes of pinot noir and chardonnay. Since 2003, the winery has made its home in the heart of the russian river valley, where owner courtney benham and his team have renovated and refined the winery. If you are offered a tour of the old barns, gleefully accept the invitation. Jun 28, 2016 driving up laguna road toward martin ray winery, the first thing youll notice is a water tower soaring high above the vines against a perfect sonoma sky. What luck my daughterinlaw is a wine merchant, so we got to go. Another 245 words 18 lines of text covering the years 1487, 1465, 1530, 1558, 50, 1612, 76, 1627, 1705, 1671, 1748, 1627, 1705, 1670 and are included under the topic early ray history in all our pdf extended history products and printed products. Established in 1881 as the twin fir winery, martin ray winery is the oldest winery in continuous operation in sonoma county the winery remained operational during prohibition by selling sacramental wines. It was founded by paul masson, a pioneer of the california wine industry. The story of mount eden vineyards must include martin ray. One of the downsides to spending a week on wine tastings is that it gets harder to rank the wineries.
Courtney benham recreated the brand after discovering some old martin ray wine in a. Located in the heart of sonoma countys russian river valley, one of the worlds bestknown pinot noir and chardonnay regions, the historic. Anyone interested in wine should have a look at the brady book, a collection of writing by roy brady. Brand information trade materials martin ray winery. Isabelle, daughter of one of the two simi brothers who dug simis first stone cellar in 1880, continued to make and cellar wine through prohibition, and worked in the winery even after she sold it in 1970. Upon making your reservation, you will be contacted to confirm your selection and take advance payment. Sonoma county wineries delivering to the bay area and. It makes a wide range of wines with emphasis on pinot noir, chardonnay and the bordeaux grape varieties like cabernet sauvignon and merlot the estate owns a 5hectare 12acre plot in the russian river valley that is planted to several clones of pinot noir. Nicely perfumed with aromas of dark cherry, timber and asian 5spice.
Explore thousands of wines, spirits and beers, and shop online for delivery or pickup in a store near you. Most writers either lack the knowledge and history of wine making in this area or enthusiasm to give depth to a book about wine. Martin ray 2016 chardonnay sonoma county rating and. Martin ray winery started in saratoga california in the ww2 era. 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. David bruce winery was founded during the revival of the santa cruz mountain wine industry between the 1950s and 1970s. Shop martin ray pinot noir sonoma at the best prices. The two main characters paul masson and martin ray, were giants in the wine industry and the women beside them were just as important to the family success in achievement of fine wine. They had heard whispers that chardonnay from the peter martin ray vineyard was available and looking for. The filice company bought the san martin vineyards in 1932. Seasonal fare, unpretentious hospitality, all sourced locally.
The winery retains much of its old time look to this day and it feels like a step back in time when you enter the grounds. Martin ray, on the other hand, thought that american wine should aim. Jan 18, 2020 the winery is a little off the beaten path, but definitely worth a visit. They offer small production, single vineyard wines from the russian river valley and beyond, and are currently offering complimentary shipping on 6 or more bottles no code required. In a mountaintop vineyard, history and mystique reign the new. Jul 31, 2000 san martin vineyards was a santa clara county wine producer run by the filice family. Martin ray spent the rest of his life making wine within a few miles of where he met paul masson. This is the history of wine in santa clara valley from 1904 to 1976.
We have a strong tradition of crafting awardwinning cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, syrah, malbec, and pinot noir. Here is a global guide to the worlds best chardonnays, from. He also led the way in developing the now famous hillside vineyards of the santa cruz mountains. If you are not a member you need to sign up by clicking the button below. Mount eden vineyards renowned for world class wines. Sonoma county wineries delivering to the bay area and beyond. If the wine is as good as reported, procure an ample cache for our operatives.
Martin ray winery 2010 santa barbara county pinot noir. As thomas pinney notes in a history of wine in america, volume 2. The current home was originally twin fir winery and established by william hill in the geographic heart of russian river valley in 1881. Almost twenty years later, courtney benham came upon 1500 cases in a san jose warehouse and an idea was born continue to create superb, artisanal wines worthy of. The name martin ray resonates deeply in the history of california winemaking. The martin ray winery in santa rosa is a small winery in a large facility. Martin ray was a viticulture student of paul masson. With the new addition of an estate chef, we are no longer allowing outside food. The two main characters paul masson and martin ray, were giants in the wine industry and the women beside them were just as important to. Martin ray was a pioneer, dedicated to crafting single varietal, regionspecific. They are noted especially for their musicianship, and have scored a number of hits. This book chronicles the life of martin ray, the tempestuous keeper of the flame of fine winemaking at a time in california history when quality was at its lowest ebb.
As a northern ca history junkie, this is fun to read. Martin ranch winery is a boutique winery located in the santa cruz mountains. Early history of the ray family this web page shows only a small excerpt of our ray research. The tasting room structure, dating back to the 1900s, used to serve as a stable and bunkhouse where italian immigrants stayed during harvest and crush. Driving up laguna road toward martin ray winery, the first thing youll notice is a water tower soaring high above the vines against a perfect sonoma sky. Martin ray winery produces awardwinning cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay, merlot and sauvignon blanc under the labels martin ray, angeline and courtney benham. Vinted and bottled by martin ray winery, santa rosa, ca. Make a reservation by clicking book reservation and then select details on your chosen tasting experience. Sucklings february 2020 report chardonnay and pinot focus. Martin ranch winery is a reflection of the many hands that were involved in the process of building our winery community and awardwinning wines. Eden in saratoga until her death at the age of 96 in 2000. We explored martin ray and celebrated the positive outcomes from this apparent contrast. Mentored by paul masson, he took a burgundian approach to his winemaking.
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. This location was established in 1881 as the twin fir winery. They like to tell the story of an appellation and a specific vineyard here. Martin ray bought mount eden winery from paul masson. Martin ray winery expand your tasting range on a scenic drive to martin ray winery, 2 miles east of graton. Steeped in wine history, martin ray is the oldest continuously operated winery in california. The martin ray winery buildings would make a great movie locale. With over 15 varietals of red and white wines, theres something for everyone to sip, savor, and enjoy. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book. Martin ray vineyards history dates back to 1943 in the rugged santa cruz mountains in california. Martin ray winery martin ray is a producer based in santa rosa, california, in the heart of the russian river valley. Ray put in cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and pinot noir.
Thank you for your understanding and supporting us in this endeavor. Martin ray 2014 reserve cabernet sauvignon diamond. San martin vineyards packing houses of santa clara county. From our greeters and tasting hosts to our harvest crew and barrel room staff, we are committed to creating memorable experiences for. Steeped in wine history, martin ray is the oldest continuouslyoperating winery in california. Proprietor courtney benhams journey with the historic martin ray label began in 1990, when he stumbled upon 1,500 cases of library wines and began his 20plus year quest to shape its next chapter. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.
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