2022 Martin Ray Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

How in the world did Martin Ray’s team of Courtney Benham and Keith Emerson pull this off? 

They’re some of the best-connected guys in the business, sure, but this Sauv Blanc is next-level wizardry, showing off the qualities that allow some wineries in the area to charge $50. It combines the grape’s signature snappy, bright citrus and crisp finish with a bit of extra fruit concentration and texture on the palate that’s pure Napa.

In many ways, it’s in keeping with the original ethos of Martin Ray. A modern pioneer in producing some of the best Napa Cabs—and making them available at value prices rarely matched by his Valley brethren—Martin Ray was one of the original legends of California viticulture, alongside Donn Chappellet and Robert Mondavi. He was motivated to craft wines that would rival Europe’s elites at a time when most would have found that notion laughable. He got the last laugh when his bottles ended up in the White House under multiple administrations.

Today, owner Courtney Benham has picked up the torch where Ray left off. Connections and long-term contracts are the fruit of Benham’s long career producing top-rated bottles. Since the 1980s, he’s been one of California’s savviest operators, racking up countless scores of 90+ points across multiple estates.

Bringing on 100-point winemaker Keith Emerson was a huge move, especially when it comes to tapping the best vineyards in Napa. Emerson’s experience as a 100-point winemaker at Vineyard 29 and at Robert Craig made him one of the most plugged-in players in the area, which is essential to producing bargains like this one.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Sweetness
• Acidity

• ABV 13.50%
• Enjoy right away
• Now – 2027
• % Sauvignon Blanc
• Serving temperature – 45°
• Screw cap