Originally brought to America by Paul Masson, Martin Ray planted French Chardonnay in the Santa Cruz Mountains in the 1940’s and revolutionized American winemaking. We make Martin’s Gold from the first plantings of this “Mt. Eden clone” in Washington State. 

The 2021 Martin’s Gold saw barrel fermentation and aging on partially new, large-format French oak. This is our flagship Chardonnay, coming from our own French Creek Estate Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA. Orange blossom and tropical fruit on the nose, beautiful focus on the palate with some banana cream pie flavors. A delicious and almost voluptuous Chardonnay. 

“This is a striking Chardonnay. It displays a brilliant lemon-gold color and classic aromas of Bosc pear, white peach, Crenshaw melon and Key lime, with scents of pear tree blossoms, acacia flowers, wisteria and a hint of butternut. On the palate, the varietally pure flavors are vivid, with white fruits that are underlain with peach stone, pear skin and Missoula flood minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with pressed fruits, poire and pêche liqueurs and touches of lime custard, brioche and recurring butternut, followed by a lingering, ultra-precise finish. “Highly drinkable,” says Lynn – 3 of 3 stars. 19.5/20 points, Rand Sealey, Report of Washington Wines