90 POINTS!
“Shows the intense concentration of mountain-grown grapes and the acidity of a cool-climate vineyard. The combination yields this robust young Cabernet Sauvignon. With potent blackberry and mineral flavors, it could develop for up to six years in the cellar.”-S.H., Wine Enthusiast, May 2011 SILVER MEDAL- 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

A mountain vineyard is the most beautiful sight on earth. – Martin Ray

THE VINEYARDS
The Martin Ray Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon is the union of two distinguished vineyards: Cooper-Garrod Vineyards and Fellom Ranch. The Cooper-Garrod Vineyard soil composition is made up of adobe clay mixed with gravel, and offers berries with rich, concentrated fruit flavors. On the Fellom Ranch, located on Monte Bello Ridge, the shallow, stony soils control vine growth, resulting in smallish berries with intense flavors and structure. These mountaintop vineyards are privileged with morning and evening fog, due to maritime influences from the San Francisco Bay. These idyllic conditions lengthen the growing season, allowing grapes to reach maturity with deep color and concentrated flavors.

VINTAGE NOTES
The 2007 harvest was a week or so earlier, but fairly quick, compact and with lower crop yields. Early winter rainfall led to an even growing season with moderate weather conditions throughout the year. Although crop size was down, we harvested beautiful fruit which will produce wines with great intensity.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
After being hand harvested, the grapes follow the meticulous winemaking techniques perfected by Martin Ray over sixty years ago. The grapes are gently crushed and fermented in open-top tanks for two weeks, creating rich structure in the wine. Minimal sulfur dioxide usage preserves fruit intensity and enhances the rich, round tannins. Aged for thirty months in French oak barrels- 35 percent in new oak barrels and 65 percent in 1-4 year old barrels-intensifies the complexity and character of the wine. Although labor intensive, these techniques produce superbly enhanced flavors and textures in our wines. The Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon is a distinctive wine with beautiful balance and solid structure. Inviting, elegant aromas of vanilla and cherry lead to lush flavors of blackberry and plum, finishing with a lingering whisper of toasty oak. Due to its unique style, this wine will maintain interest and liveliness for years to come.

FOOD & WINE PAIRING
Enjoy our Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon alongside beef with sautéed mushrooms and garlic mashed potatoes or roasted rack of lamb.