In the 1930s, Martin Ray emerged as California's single-vineyard pioneer from the Santa Cruz Mountains, planting French-cloned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay decades ahead of the curve. Barrel-fermenting and aging wines up to a decade before release, he preached radical site purity—no blends, pure terroir truth. By 1945, he founded Mount Eden Vineyards, but financial missteps erased his legacy by the early 1970s, leaving him a forgotten maverick.

Fast-forward to 1990: former tennis pro Courtney Benham stumbles on 1,500 cases of Ray's 1940s-70s library wines, plus personal notebooks revealing his meticulous philosophy, in a dusty San Jose warehouse. Recognizing the historical goldmine, Benham buys the entire lot and Martin Ray brand name, launching a 30+ year revival of single-vineyard obsession through a modern portfolio anchored by Director of Winemaking Leslie Mead Renaud (ex-Talley/Foley Pinot ace).

Why You'll Love It

• Terroir Royalty: Dry-farmed 1999 Hallberg Ranch (Goldridge loam over clay, ex-apple orchard) yields roots plunging 20ft deep—wild raspberry potpourri, sappy cassis, silky tension from 13 clones (Pommard/115) in Green Valley's 40°F fog swings.

• 95-Point Proof: James Suckling: "Refined, fresh and high-tension. Delicious." Single-vineyard purity channels Martin Ray's 1930s gospel—no hiding behind blends.

• Unbeatable Value: $45 ($40/6+) undercuts winery SRP ($60) and Hallberg peers (Gary Farrell/Emeritus/Chateau St. Jean $65-85)—RRV Grand Cru access at everyday pricing.

How to Serve It

• Glassware & Temp: Decant for 30-60 minutes and serve in Burgundy stems

• Pairings: Roast duck glazed in cherry-balsamic,wild mushroom risotto, or grilled salmon with fennel.