The Dark Star Hill Vineyard is a small, relatively young plot in the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley. The Pinot Noir lots were harvested early and fermented in stainless, and after pressing the wine rested in 50 percent new French oak for 12 months.
It’s velvety and lush, the body a saturated ruby garnet with a fragrance of black plums, woodsy spice, nutmeg, and old linen. The finish is spiced, too, muddling sweet clove and allspice with a sharp, red-grapefruit finish. Right now the wine feels expansive in multiple dimensions: juicy, ripe, barrel-inflected, with ample alcohol. It’s slated for release in August of 2016, and the extra time in bottle should help it gain composure.
14.2% abv | $55 (sample)
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So is there a real Martin Ray revival going on? Clearly the label is branching out in terms of sourcing.
Hi David,
I’m unfamiliar with the winery’s prior vintages. The information they provide on the winemaking team (see https://www.martinraywinery.com/winemaking-team) doesn’t offer timelines, although as you note, these fruit sources are certainly well regarded.
Do you have experience with their wines?
Cheers, and thanks, as always, for reading.
Meg
No recent experience. I honestly had not thought about them in years. Will have to investigate.