2024 MARTIN RAY CONCRETE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY A study in precision, Martin Ray’s Concrete Chardonnay is defined as much by omission as by intent. Fermented in concrete, it undergoes gentle micro-oxygenation without taking on any external flavors, allowing the fruit to speak with uncommon definition. Drawn from select vineyards in the Russian River Valley, the 2024 vintage is shaped with deliberate, hands-off precision. Whole-cluster pressing preserves delicacy from the outset, while fermentation in concrete eggs enhances both texture and nuance. By bypassing malolactic fermentation, the wine retains its natural acidity, while six months on lees lends subtle breadth without obscuring its crystalline core. On the palate, it achieves a rare equilibrium: a gentle, mouth-coating presence balanced by vibrant, tensile acidity. A soft, silken entry gives way to a bright, linear core, creating a dynamic contrast that carries through a long, focused finish. The result is a Chardonnay of remarkable energy and finesse, offering exceptional value.