Credit: Gil Kulers
Credit: Gil Kulers
That would have been the final chapter, had it not been for somebody actually being at the right place at the right time. In 1990, Courtney Benham stumbled upon 1,500 cases of Martin Ray's wine library stashed in a warehouse in San Jose, Calif. Not only did he find wines dating back to the 1940s, he also uncovered press clippings and historical items that painted a picture of an innovator born 40 years too soon.
Gil Kulers is a sommelier and maitre d’ for an Atlanta country club. You can reach him at gil.kulers@winekulers. com.
- 2014 Martin Ray Winery, Bald Mountain Vineyard, Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, Calif.
- $35
- Two Thumbs Way Up
- Aromas of vanilla, nutmeg, mango and grilled pineapple. Rich flavors of tropical fruit are buoyed by bright acidity and notes of tart apple and pear with lingering spice flavor.
Note: Wines are rated on a scale ranging up from Thumbs Down, One Thumb Mostly Up, One Thumb Up, Two Thumbs Up, Two Thumbs Way Up and Golden Thumb Award. Prices are suggested retail prices as provided by the winery, one of its agents, a local distributor or retailer.
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