Martin Ray Winery Chardonnay "Concrete" Russian River Valley Sonoma, CA USA
Martin Ray was a pioneer who crafted single varietal, region specific wines from 1943 through 1972 in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. 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.**
In 2003, Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery made its home in the Russian River Valley, on the edge of Green Valley at one of the oldest continually working wineries in California. Under the care of current owner and winemaker Courtney Benham, the winemaking team devotes themselves to Ray’s ideology of making “wines of place”. **
The 2022 Martin Ray "Concrete" Chardonnay was sourced from various vineyard sites throughout the Russian River Valley and was aged on the lees in concrete eggs for 6 months. Fermented with native yeasts, it has aromas of ripe Anjou pears, Honeydew melons, and subtle taffy notes, followed by a medium-bodied palate of lemon zest and jasmine laced with accents of pomelos and pink peppercorns. It juxtaposes high-toned fruit characters and saline-tinged minerality with a lush texture. The wine finishes long, with lovely citrus and saline notes entwined with bright acidity.**
Check out the press!
93 points, James Suckling:
"This unoaked wine was fermented on native yeast, then aged on its lees exclusively in concrete egg vessels. A medium body and fresh acidity make a good structure for the full fruit flavors and chalky, mineral accents that the concrete brings out. A brilliant alternative to oak bomb Chardonnays."
"This unoaked wine was fermented on native yeast, then aged on its lees exclusively in concrete egg vessels. A medium body and fresh acidity make a good structure for the full fruit flavors and chalky, mineral accents that the concrete brings out. A brilliant alternative to oak bomb Chardonnays."
90 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
"A pale silver/green color, the 2022 Chardonnay Concrete is bottled under screwcap and offers up fresh, zesty aromas of candied green apple, fresh flowers, orange zest, and wet stone. It’s lightweight on the palate, with a mouthwatering feel and a fresh, crystalline lift."
"A pale silver/green color, the 2022 Chardonnay Concrete is bottled under screwcap and offers up fresh, zesty aromas of candied green apple, fresh flowers, orange zest, and wet stone. It’s lightweight on the palate, with a mouthwatering feel and a fresh, crystalline lift."
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13.5%
Producer Name: Martin Ray Winery
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA
Vintage: 2022
Grape Varietals: Chardonnay
Wine Style: Dry white wine
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass Burgundy bottle
Closure Style: Screwcap
*dead yeast cells, grape seeds, stems, pulp, and tartrates
** adapted from winery notes
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