Chardonnay 2021 (Martin Ray)

Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. The Martin Ray brand is one of the most important and prestigious in the history of Californian wine, having already introduced a Burgundian approach to winemaking in the 1940s and focusing on the production of single-varietal wines. The brand was then purchased in the 1990s aby Courtney Benham who moved the headquarters to the Russian River Valley in early 2000. Today, Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery produces a wide range of wines based on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The Chardonnay grapes come from the Monterey and Sonoma areas, from vineyards with different climates and soil characteristics to guarantee a balanced wine. The grapes are harvested, pressed, and fermented separately aby batch. The wine has a clear straw color with bright golden reflections. On the nose it is fresh and fragrant with aromas of citrus and Granny apple, slightly ripe apricot, and then some hints of spices and pineapple. On the palate, it is refreshing and crispy. It has a marked acidity and a fresh, light body. The finish is pleasantly savory and long. It is perfect as an aperitif and pairs well with rich summer salads or grilled white meats.