Happy to report in on this wine! Hope everyone’s holidays are going wonderfully!
PnP initial impression: definitely a zin with the distinctive brambly nose of red fruits. Not overdone, I would never guess 14.8%, as it feels very restrained. it’s closed up, but has a nice long finish.
After an hour decant…
Color: Bright red and very clear. A lighter color than many zins out there.
Nose: Still that characteristic zinfandel nose. Red fruits, sweet cherry. The wife gets strawberry compote. The bramble aromas give it a bit of wildness. I would describe this as a very classic zin.
Taste: Nice balance and acidity. Long finish. This is a very classic reserved zin, it’s quite elegant. Medium bodied, the wife said it was light for a zin.
This wine sings for food and was a great accompaniment to the mushroom ravioli and roasted carrots we had for dinner.
Looking at the label I see this had 50% new oak treatment. I would never have guessed, as there are no strong oak flavors, it’s quite perfectly balanced.
If you like more reserved zinfandels, food friendly and NOT super fruity or sweet, this is the wine for you. It’s a great deal for the case price and I highly recommend it.
Unfortunately, due to this shipping later than expected, UPS having one redirect location that’s only staffed during business hours , and our holiday travel… I haven’t been able to get this in my hands yet. But I’m really looking forward to it.
Knowing this is a 24 hour sale, I’ll do my best to report back ASAP tomorrow - one perk of being off for the holidays!
Apologies this took even longer than intended, but you’re getting the closest thing to a livestream I can offer. Literally typing this after a PNP direct from UPS (not my ideal order of operations, but making due as best I can).
First of all, it’s a beautiful, heavy bottle - reminds me of Peter’s, which always had a delightfully premium feel to them. So bonus points for presentation before I so much as cut the foil.
Looks:
Great legs and a beautiful ruby color to go with the decidedly medium body.
Initial Aroma:
Lots of deep, dark fruit like black currant, dried cherries, and prunes. Also picking up a little spice and pepper - not surprising given it’s 14.8% but also in no way overpowering.
Initial Taste:
Starts out very fruit forward, but extremely well balanced, a dry finish that doesn’t linger but moves from smooth through to crisp with no off flavors. Everything plays perfectly together. This is delicious.
Other Thoughts:
I’ve long been a fan of great Zinfandels, old vine varietals in particular. While this doesn’t have some of the extra-concentrated flavor and smokiness I see in some of those, it’s perhaps one of the most balanced Zins I’ve had in a very long time.
If any old WWers recall that killer Jason-Stephens Zinfandel sold circa 2012, this reminds me of that, which I long ago rated at 90 pts.
Worth It?
My back of the napkin mental math was thinking this would be a great Casemates deal at ~$20/bottle or so. Very solid QPR at the offering price, IMHO. Highly recommend this!
I just have to decide how much to buy…
I’ll try and follow up later this evening with some food pairings and the like.
Honestly, not much new to report. This has maintained itself very well since the initial PNP.
If anything, that very minute sweetness I initially noted has deteriorated somewhat; the nose, taste, and finish all remain very balanced.
I still think this is a great wine for the price. As I noted in a reply below, it’s a solid crowd-pleaser that I’d be happy to open with any group of friends.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016 Martin Ray Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel - $25 = 12.81%
Martin Ray Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
4 bottles for $64.99 $16.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $169.99 $14.17/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
@jhkey@rjquillin Yep it’s one of the smoothest finishing wines I’ve had in some time. Not chalky and no lingering sweetness - just a nice clean, crisp finish.
This stellar example is overflowing with aromas of fresh raspberry jam, fresh blueberry, dried blackberry leaves and the spiciness of cloves and cinnamon stick with a distinct undertone of black tea. The medium body is substantial without being cloying, while the bright acidity adds a zesty quality to the balanced fruit.
Vineyard/Vintage Notes
The Vineyards
Farmed by Glenn Procter, fourth generation to the ranch, who’s initial plantings date back to 1904. Set deep into a small valley on the western side of Dry Creek, its terraced slopes are surrounded by redwood groves. Often one of the last lots to ripen, it is worth the wait in its development of its opulent concentrated flavors. The appellation has a special reputation for its robust Zinfandel, and this is no exception.
Vintage
Much to the delight of both grape growers and winemakers, the 2016 vintage carried through from beginning to end, with ideal conditions and ideal results. Long-awaited rainfall during the winter and early spring replenished desperate reservoirs and ground water, easing the concerns generated by several years’ worth of drought conditions. The summer was kind, with only a few heat spikes, which then carried over into a true Indian Summer; keeping daytime temperatures above normal, and the mornings foggy and cool throughout the peak month of September, permitting us to take our time in evaluating and calling picks at their optimal maturity. Nature patiently waited for us to bring in our final lots before returning with the rain that has traditionally been the signal for the end of the harvest season. Harvest September 26th.
Winemaking
Our Zinfandel grapes are carefully hand-sorted and destemmed into a small open-top fermenter where they are cold-soaked for up to 4 days before being inoculated with a voracious Rhone yeast developed to be able to withstand the high natural sugars of the Zinfandel while promoting the signature jammy fruit aromas. It ferments at warm temperatures for 10-15 days, then basket pressed and racked to a carefully chosen combination of primarily French oak barrels, with a small portion of Hungarian and American for 16 months of aging. Harvested September 26th.
Specs
Vintage: 2016
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Barrel Regime: 15 months, Aged in 50% new French, American & Hungarian Oak
Harvest Date: September 26, 2016
Alcohol: 14.8%
Included in the Box
4-bottles:
4x 2016 Martin Ray Zinfandel, Puccioni Ranch Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Case:
12x 2016 Martin Ray Zinfandel, Puccioni Ranch Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Price Comparison
$360 a Case/MSRP $30 per Bottle/ Not Sold On Website
The name Martin Ray resonates deeply in the history of California Winemaking. 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. 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.
Nearly twenty years later, Courtney Benham stumbled upon 1500 cases of Martin Ray wine in a San Jose warehouse. Recognizing his good fortune, and his intent and drive to produce terroir driven wines, Ray’s historical significance and philosophy resonated with him. Courtney purchased the brand, and since 1990 has been committed to the production of artisanal wines worthy of the Martin Ray name.
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. Today, Courtney and his winemaking team devote themselves to Ray’s ideology of making “wines of place”, by sourcing from hillside and valley floor fruit, they are relentless at telling the story of each exceptional appellation and vineyard.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
To me, it’s absolutely not overly sweet + fruity or jammy… but I do get some delicious dark/dried fruit out of it, both in the nose and on my tongue. Compared to your average Zin, it’s not as peppery and is the slightest bit sweeter. However, there’s enough acid to cut through a variety of fare while maintaining a really balanced finish.
At the end of the day, I think this is a solid crowd-pleaser at this price; it’s also something I’d pop the cork on any day for oenophile friends.
@rjquillin indeed different palates. I found the nose to be full of red fruits but not so much on the palate. As a comparison I find Peter Wellington’s Zins to be much more fruit forward than this, as well as Pedroncelli.
@jhkey@sdilullo
Thanks to you both! Ever read some of the “pro” reviews? At times seems like they are in alternate universes.
A “crowd pleaser” to “less fruit forward than a PW zin” Quite the comparison.
Guess I’ll just have to grab a set to try.
Again, thanks to you both for the Rats.
Happy to report in on this wine! Hope everyone’s holidays are going wonderfully!
PnP initial impression: definitely a zin with the distinctive brambly nose of red fruits. Not overdone, I would never guess 14.8%, as it feels very restrained. it’s closed up, but has a nice long finish.
After an hour decant…
Color: Bright red and very clear. A lighter color than many zins out there.
Nose: Still that characteristic zinfandel nose. Red fruits, sweet cherry. The wife gets strawberry compote. The bramble aromas give it a bit of wildness. I would describe this as a very classic zin.
Taste: Nice balance and acidity. Long finish. This is a very classic reserved zin, it’s quite elegant. Medium bodied, the wife said it was light for a zin.
This wine sings for food and was a great accompaniment to the mushroom ravioli and roasted carrots we had for dinner.
Looking at the label I see this had 50% new oak treatment. I would never have guessed, as there are no strong oak flavors, it’s quite perfectly balanced.
If you like more reserved zinfandels, food friendly and NOT super fruity or sweet, this is the wine for you. It’s a great deal for the case price and I highly recommend it.
EDIT: from the label: 5 barrels produced.
Unfortunately, due to this shipping later than expected, UPS having one redirect location that’s only staffed during business hours
, and our holiday travel… I haven’t been able to get this in my hands yet. But I’m really looking forward to it.
Knowing this is a 24 hour sale, I’ll do my best to report back ASAP tomorrow - one perk of being off for the holidays!
Apologies this took even longer than intended, but you’re getting the closest thing to a livestream I can offer. Literally typing this after a PNP direct from UPS (not my ideal order of operations, but making due as best I can).
First of all, it’s a beautiful, heavy bottle - reminds me of Peter’s, which always had a delightfully premium feel to them. So bonus points for presentation before I so much as cut the foil.
Looks:
Great legs and a beautiful ruby color to go with the decidedly medium body.
Initial Aroma:
Lots of deep, dark fruit like black currant, dried cherries, and prunes. Also picking up a little spice and pepper - not surprising given it’s 14.8% but also in no way overpowering.
Initial Taste:
Starts out very fruit forward, but extremely well balanced, a dry finish that doesn’t linger but moves from smooth through to crisp with no off flavors. Everything plays perfectly together. This is delicious.
Other Thoughts:
I’ve long been a fan of great Zinfandels, old vine varietals in particular. While this doesn’t have some of the extra-concentrated flavor and smokiness I see in some of those, it’s perhaps one of the most balanced Zins I’ve had in a very long time.
If any old WWers recall that killer Jason-Stephens Zinfandel sold circa 2012, this reminds me of that, which I long ago rated at 90 pts.
Worth It?
My back of the napkin mental math was thinking this would be a great Casemates deal at ~$20/bottle or so. Very solid QPR at the offering price, IMHO. Highly recommend this!
I just have to decide how much to buy…
I’ll try and follow up later this evening with some food pairings and the like.
Pairing Quick Hits:
This is a smidge sweeter* than your typical Zin. In some pairings (e.g. the ham) I think it works where you’d typically go Sangiovese or Pinot Noir.
*I actually that’s a strength of this wine - it’s a little more approachable and delicious on its own or with a variety of foods.
After 6 hours:
Honestly, not much new to report. This has maintained itself very well since the initial PNP.
If anything, that very minute sweetness I initially noted has deteriorated somewhat; the nose, taste, and finish all remain very balanced.
I still think this is a great wine for the price. As I noted in a reply below, it’s a solid crowd-pleaser that I’d be happy to open with any group of friends.
In case* it wasn’t clear…
/giphy lovely-spectacular-leftovers
*I’ll be here all week
@sdilullo Nice review. And that’s some giphy, wowza!
I’ve purchased WAY too much lately even though this sounds like my preferred style of Zin.
Casemates earned me thousands of hotel points in November/December, but there’s no way I’m not going to buy some of this. Just saying.
/giphy abominable-compassionate-angel
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016 Martin Ray Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel - $25 = 12.81%
Martin Ray Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
4 bottles for $64.99 $16.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $169.99 $14.17/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2016 Martin Ray Zinfandel
/giphy droll-amazed-santa
Should Martin Ray make an appearance, some additional labs would be appreciated. TA, pH, RS perhps?
@rjquillin I don’t have the numbers but it’s got nice acidity and no RS that I could discern.
@jhkey @rjquillin Yep it’s one of the smoothest finishing wines I’ve had in some time. Not chalky and no lingering sweetness - just a nice clean, crisp finish.
Tasting Notes
This stellar example is overflowing with aromas of fresh raspberry jam, fresh blueberry, dried blackberry leaves and the spiciness of cloves and cinnamon stick with a distinct undertone of black tea. The medium body is substantial without being cloying, while the bright acidity adds a zesty quality to the balanced fruit.
Vineyard/Vintage Notes
The Vineyards
Farmed by Glenn Procter, fourth generation to the ranch, who’s initial plantings date back to 1904. Set deep into a small valley on the western side of Dry Creek, its terraced slopes are surrounded by redwood groves. Often one of the last lots to ripen, it is worth the wait in its development of its opulent concentrated flavors. The appellation has a special reputation for its robust Zinfandel, and this is no exception.
Vintage
Much to the delight of both grape growers and winemakers, the 2016 vintage carried through from beginning to end, with ideal conditions and ideal results. Long-awaited rainfall during the winter and early spring replenished desperate reservoirs and ground water, easing the concerns generated by several years’ worth of drought conditions. The summer was kind, with only a few heat spikes, which then carried over into a true Indian Summer; keeping daytime temperatures above normal, and the mornings foggy and cool throughout the peak month of September, permitting us to take our time in evaluating and calling picks at their optimal maturity. Nature patiently waited for us to bring in our final lots before returning with the rain that has traditionally been the signal for the end of the harvest season. Harvest September 26th.
Winemaking
Our Zinfandel grapes are carefully hand-sorted and destemmed into a small open-top fermenter where they are cold-soaked for up to 4 days before being inoculated with a voracious Rhone yeast developed to be able to withstand the high natural sugars of the Zinfandel while promoting the signature jammy fruit aromas. It ferments at warm temperatures for 10-15 days, then basket pressed and racked to a carefully chosen combination of primarily French oak barrels, with a small portion of Hungarian and American for 16 months of aging. Harvested September 26th.
Specs
Included in the Box
Price Comparison
$360 a Case/MSRP $30 per Bottle/ Not Sold On Website
About The Winery
Winery: Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery
The name Martin Ray resonates deeply in the history of California Winemaking. 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. 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.
Nearly twenty years later, Courtney Benham stumbled upon 1500 cases of Martin Ray wine in a San Jose warehouse. Recognizing his good fortune, and his intent and drive to produce terroir driven wines, Ray’s historical significance and philosophy resonated with him. Courtney purchased the brand, and since 1990 has been committed to the production of artisanal wines worthy of the Martin Ray name.
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. Today, Courtney and his winemaking team devote themselves to Ray’s ideology of making “wines of place”, by sourcing from hillside and valley floor fruit, they are relentless at telling the story of each exceptional appellation and vineyard.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Thursday, January 23rd - Monday, January 27th
@sdilullo @jhkey
I’m trying to reconcile the comments:
and
The joys of different palates, eh?
To me, it’s absolutely not overly sweet + fruity or jammy… but I do get some delicious dark/dried fruit out of it, both in the nose and on my tongue. Compared to your average Zin, it’s not as peppery and is the slightest bit sweeter. However, there’s enough acid to cut through a variety of fare while maintaining a really balanced finish.
At the end of the day, I think this is a solid crowd-pleaser at this price; it’s also something I’d pop the cork on any day for oenophile friends.
@rjquillin indeed different palates. I found the nose to be full of red fruits but not so much on the palate. As a comparison I find Peter Wellington’s Zins to be much more fruit forward than this, as well as Pedroncelli.
@jhkey @sdilullo
Thanks to you both! Ever read some of the “pro” reviews? At times seems like they are in alternate universes.
A “crowd pleaser” to “less fruit forward than a PW zin” Quite the comparison.
Guess I’ll just have to grab a set to try.
Again, thanks to you both for the Rats.
@rjquillin Do report back once you try it. Someone’s gotta be the tiebreaker!
@sdilullo And you trust me!?
/giphy flickering-sharing-myrrh
