Martin Ray Cabernet
Historic California Cabernet, poured in Commack for decades.
The story behind Martin Ray
Martin Ray founded his namesake label in 1943 in Saratoga, in the Santa Cruz Mountains, on the property that became Mount Eden Vineyards. He learned winemaking under Paul Masson, and he argued for single varietal, place driven California wine when most of the state was blending everything into oblivion.
The brand went quiet, then Courtney Benham bought the name in 1990 and revived it. The modern winery sits on Laguna Ridge in the Russian River Valley, in Sonoma County since 2003, while the Cabernet fruit comes off Napa Valley and mountain sites like Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain and Stags Leap. We have carried these bottles long enough to watch the style tighten up vintage after vintage.
Explore the Martin Ray range
Five Martin Ray bottlings sit on our Cabernet shelf, from an everyday Pinot Noir to mountain designated Cabernet. The Cabernet ladder is where the brand earns its keep.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Ray Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir | Not published | Sonoma fruit, red cherry, light oak, weeknight pour |
| Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon | About 14.5% ABV | Blackberry and currant, cedar, firm tannin, dry finish |
| Martin Ray Synthesis Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir | Not published | Top barrel blend, darker fruit, more texture and length |
| Martin Ray Synthesis Cabernet | Cabernet Sauvignon | 14.1% to 14.6% ABV | Best barrels of the vintage, floor and mountain fruit |
| Martin Ray Stags Leap Cabernet | Cabernet Sauvignon | About 14.5% ABV | Stags Leap District fruit, plush currant, cocoa, polished tannin |
Which Martin Ray is right for you?
Pricing here runs from $19.99 for the Martin Ray Pinot Noir to $55.99 for the Stags Leap Cabernet. The standard Cabernet Sauvignon sits at $22.99, which is honest money for Napa and Sonoma fruit aged in French oak. Step to Synthesis Cabernet at $49.99 when you want the top barrel blend, or the Stags Leap at $55.99 for a single district bottle. Synthesis Pinot Noir is $39.99. Stock moves; call (631) 343-7200 and we will confirm what is on the shelf today.
$22.99 buys real structure for a grilled ribeye without a second thought.
Single district fruit and polished tannin for the dinner you book in advance.
Top barrel blend at $49.99, worth laying down a few vintages.