Mission Codename Mr. SyNTh
We always find ourselves asking how Martin Ray Cabernets consistently stack up the big scores? Could it be that they are year-in-year-out phenomenal or what? The historic Martin Ray winery found a new home in the Russian River Valley, while their motto is “wines of place”, which they clearly take to the heart. Winemaker Lindsey Haughton has impressive range indeed, as SyNThESiS truly is the best of Napa Valley Cabernet in one reasonably priced package, and more so through this Wine Spies exclusive deal of the day bringing it to under $35 deeming it irresistible.
A youthful purple narrow circumference wraps the inky, deeper ruby heart. Young and fresh on the nose, lushly scented with black cherries, spice and a hint of mint. Intense and richly extracted with bold currants, blackberry, cedar, and mocha. Loamy earth and exotic spices wrap it all up with ease and graceful texture on the elegant finish. This superbly balanced Cabernet is a match made in heaven for a hearty game stew.
Any music lover at the very least has respect for synths and some, like us spies, are obsessed with the best resulting music using them. The analog synth is what gave birth to electronic music after all so pop and dance today wouldn’t be the monsters they are today if it wasn’t for affordable virtual analogs. This is the wine equivalent of that. By twisting vineyards and appellations like knobs and dials, Martin Ray’s SyNThESiS brings all the best into the mix. Grab what you can, turn the volume up and surrender to your senses.
Here’s what the wine press has to say:
93 Points – James Suckling – “A very pretty and solid cab with currant, cedar and walnut aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a delicious finish. Drink or hold.”
What the Winery Says
2016 'Synthesis' Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winemaker
- Lindsey Haughton
- Vintage
- 2016
- Varietal
- 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
- Appellations
- Rutherford, Coombsville, Stags Leap, Diamond Mountain
- Alcohol
- 14.8%
- Brix at harvest
- 26.2°-26.9°
- pH
- 3.80
- Total Acidity
- 5.3 g/L
- Aging
- 18 months
- Barrels
- 60% new French oak