Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Martin Ray with Tom Gasparo

Martin Ray is a negociant wine maker in that they buy grapes from people and make their own wine. Martin Ray was one of the first vinifera winemakers in the Santa Cruz area which seems interesting now that we know Pinot and Cab and such grow well there.

Their second label is Angeline which for the money is one of the better value wines from California.

Angeline Russian River Merlot 2005 Soft berry flavor like red color.

Angeline Pinot Noir 2004 soft tannin like candied fruit, good intro to pinot at the price point.

All of the wines I tasted seemed to have a slight aroma or odor..maybe what is known as breit or maybe it was in the glass before we tasted. not a terrible smell but just a little off.

Martin Ray Reserve Russian River Pinot...a touch stewed fruit, a touch hot...not showing well today.

Martin Ray Cab Napa 2005 soft tannins, not a long finish.

Martin Ray Stags Leap Cab 2004 for the money I was expecting a little more umph..if that is a word. it was hot but in the back of the mouth, not where I usually feel heat...and not a lot of fruit.

Martin Ray Santa Cruz Cab 2004 definitely the winner of the tasting for me. what i call pencil box aromas of lead and crayon wax, good tannin and lots of lush fruit will be in the store around $30.

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