While in Sonoma, I had the pleasure of visiting Martin Ray Winery where I tasted wines with winemaker, Bill Batchelor. Martin Ray has a fun history and some really great wines at varying price levels. The versatility in the wineries portfolio ensures a wine for every palate preference.

The Wines

2016 Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir: Comprised of a small percentage from nearly all the premium Russian River and Green Valley vineyards, this wine boasts delicious notes of white peach, nectarine, strawberry, and red cherry. Medium bodied with crisp acidity, this wine is very balanced and ideal if you sip rosé all year round. (15.99)

2016 Sonoma County Chardonnay: This chardonnay is quite striking and appeals to both the chardonnay enthusiast as well as the casual wine drinker. The grapes are sourced from quality growers showcasing the esteemed AVA’s of the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Carneros regions. This wine expresses bright notes of cantaloupe and golden apples with pronounced Meyer lemon and honey suckle. On the palate this wine is crisp and effortless, making it a perfect wine for many cuisine styles. ($16.99)

2015 Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay: A significant portion of the grapes in this wine are from the prestigious Green Valley. 2015 is known for small yields and incredible quality, so I was excited to see that they produced this beautiful chardonnay. This wine is elegant with notes of grapefruit, lime zest, and green apple. It’s complex and has a lot of character, yet is also light and juicy with a nice finish. This wine is perfect for summer bbq’s and sipping by the pool. ($30.00)

2015 Sonoma County Pinot Noir: Carefully sourced from vineyards only feet away from the Russian River itself, this wine exemplifies what pinot noir enthusiasts and drinkers expect. It’s full of fruit with notes of ripe elderberry, black cherry, cola, and some earthy undertones. The touch of oak lends intriguing vanilla and toffee notes without overpowering the beautiful fruit in this wine. ($30.00)

2015 Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: A classic Green Valley pinot noir that is bright and juicy. Produced from a combination of Dijon clones; reputed for being some of the most sought after wine from the appellation. This wine is the fourth vintage of Martin Ray’s Reserve Pinot Noir collection. It has a fruit driven bouquet thats layered with tart cranberry, cherry, vanilla and baking spices. The wines juicy palate and silky tannins make it a pretty flawless pinot noir that you will absolutely enjoy from beginning to end. 250 Cases Produced. ($40.00)

2014 Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon: This site produces intense fruit from small, compact clusters that are influenced by the marine and white sand soils. Long growing seasons and morning fog allow the grapes to reach maturity with deep color and concentration. This wine has power and strength with deep red hues and notes of black cherry, currants, and smokey cayenne pepper. Complex and striking, you may notice some wilder notes in this one once it opens up a bit in the glass. This wine has solid tannins, natural acidity and a dark chocolate finish. 450 Cases Produced ($70.00)

2014 “Synthesis” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: An ideal cumulation of the wineries favorite vineyards throughout Napa Valley such as: Stags Leap, Rutherford, Howell Mountain, and Diamond Mountain, this wine flaunts the best characteristics of each of it’s origins. This wine is complex with aromas of intense purple fruit, baking spices, herbs, and figs. This blend is very bold and consistent with what you find in Napa, with chewy tannins, a big body, and a seductive finish. ($50.00)

Martin Ray Winery is a beautiful winery to visit for the day and offers plenty of activities and events throughout the year. Here you can stop by for a glass of wine at the beautiful tasting room and then sit outside on anadirondack chair and enjoy views of the vineyards. Be sure to make this a stop if you’re sipping in Sonoma for a weekend. The winery is exceptional with a warm and friendly staff too!