Martin Ray Winery Chardonnay "Concrete" Russian River Valley Sonoma, CA USA
Sonoma County's Russian River Valley makes distinct, terroir-driven Chardonnays. Its heavy fog and proximity to the influences of the Pacific Ocean provide the ideal growing conditions for this cool-climate varietal. For this reason, the winemakers at Martin Ray Winery eschewed the use of oak in favor of concrete eggs in the crafting of today's offer so that the beautiful marriage of grape and terroir would take center stage on your palate.
The 2022 Martin Ray Winery Chardonnay "Concrete" is sourced from various sites throughout the RRV. Aged on the lees for six months to add depth, complexity, and weight to the finished wine, it has aromas of ripe D ’Anjou pear, honeydew melon, and subtle taffy notes. The palate is high-toned and mineral driven yet lushly-textured, with flavors of lemon zest and pomelo laced with accents of jasmine and pink peppercorn. The wine finishes link, with lovely citrus and saline notes entwined with bright acidity. (winery notes)
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
You may also like
Recently viewed