Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery traces its soul to Martin Ray (1906-1972), California's original single-vineyard pioneer. Mentored by Paul Masson, Ray broke from jug-wine norms in 1943, crafting barrel-fermented Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from French clones at what became Mount Eden—aging them a decade before release. Financial turbulence led to losing his original winery to Seagram's in 1942 (he kept the brand), but his vision endured. Fast-forward to 1990: Courtney Benham, farm-raised in Bakersfield with custom-crush grit from his father's Lost Hills Winery and Blackstone's Merlot empire (sold to Constellation 2001), discovered 1,500 cases of Ray's library stock. He bought the Martin Ray name, revived it, and in 2003 planted roots at the historic Martini & Prati site in Russian River Valley's Los Carneros. Today Benham's sons Carson and Jack helm alongside winemaker Leslie Renaud (or Benham himself on the 2021 Rutherford Cab), producing "wines of place" from hillside sites—estate focus now joined by Napa benchlands.

The 2021 Martin Ray Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon channels Napa's iconic benchland "Rutherford dust" from volcanic gravel-loam east of the Mayacamas—prolific sites with optimal sun and lingering fog yielding complex fruit in a drought-shaped vintage of low yields and early harvest. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (likely Clone 7/8), small-lot fermented after 4-day cold soak and hand punch-downs, then aged 18 months in 60% new French oak: Kirsch, ripe plum, bramble, star anise, and toffee meet wild blueberry, dusty earth, sage; fine tannins and fresh acid balance the full structure. Lush now and age-worthy through 2040—classic power from blue-chip sites near Napa legends, Quintessa/Heitz.

Why You'll Love It

• Rutherford's magnetic core: Blackcurrant and kirsch explode with that dusty gravel grip—pure Rutherford Bench magic where every sip echoes Napa's legendary "dust".

• Velvet power meets finesse: 60% new French oak polishes ripe plum and wild bramble into seamless tension—opulent now with graceful cellaring for 15+ years ahead.

• 94-point steal: James Suckling hails the "reserved Rutherford character"—2021 concentration from drought-stressed vines that punches like blue-chip estates at half the price.

How To Serve lt

• Decant for 30 minutes and Pour into large Bordeaux stems between 60-65°F.

• Pair with grilled ribeye, wild mushroom ragout, or aged cheddar. 

• Enjoy now - 2035+