Martin Ray Tri County Cabernet Sauvignon

Martin Ray Tri County Cabernet Sauvignon is a 750ml multi-county California Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at approximately 14.5% ABV. Guided by 100-point consulting winemaker Keith Emerson, this expression draws on the broader Martin Ray portfolio's reputation for over-delivering on quality — the winery's Sonoma County Cabernet has earned 91 points from James Suckling.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~14.5%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Multi-County Blend  |  Winery: Martin Ray

Production & Heritage

Martin Ray Winery traces its name to one of California's pioneering vintners, a figure instrumental in elevating Sonoma County winemaking during the mid-twentieth century. Today, the winery sources fruit from select vineyard sites across multiple California counties, aiming to capture a broad spectrum of terroir in a single bottling. Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignons typically undergo two weeks of punchdowns in open-top fermenters before aging for approximately sixteen months in French oak — with up to 40% new barrels — lending structure and polish without overwhelming the fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm blackberry and dark cherry lead, followed by currant and subtle peppercorn. Beneath the fruit, light touches of vanilla and cedar emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with ripe black currant and mulberry anchoring the mid-palate. A thread of bramble and wet stone introduces savory complexity, while integrated French oak contributes mocha and light toast without dominating the varietal character.

Finish: Medium-length with silky, well-resolved tannins and lingering notes of dark fruit and a faint herbal edge. The texture remains soft and velvety through the close.

How to Drink Tri County Cabernet

This wine shows well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 20–30 minutes of breathing time; a brief decant opens up the aromatics considerably. For cocktail-curious drinkers: a Cabernet Sangria benefits from the wine's bold berry core; a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) turns it into a casual warm-weather crowd-pleaser; and a New York Sour — where red wine floats over a whiskey sour — pairs naturally with the wine's dark-fruit intensity.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want something polished but not precious
• Introducing someone to California Cabernet without a Napa price tag
• Bringing a reliable bottle to a backyard barbecue or potluck
• Building a case of versatile, food-friendly reds for the cellar

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Martin Ray Tri County Cabernet taste like? It leads with ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and currant, supported by subtle vanilla and mocha from French oak aging. The tannins are silky and well integrated, giving the wine a soft, approachable mouthfeel.

How does Tri County Cabernet compare to Martin Ray Sonoma County Cabernet? The Sonoma County bottling draws exclusively from Sonoma vineyards and has earned 91 points from James Suckling, while the Tri County blends fruit from multiple California counties for a broader expression of regional character. Both share the same winemaking philosophy under Keith Emerson, but the Tri County typically offers slightly wider accessibility in both style and price.

Is Tri County Cabernet good for sipping neat? Yes — its medium body, soft tannins, and fruit-forward profile make it an easy wine to enjoy on its own, especially after a brief decant or 20 minutes of air.

Where is Martin Ray Tri County Cabernet made? It is produced by Martin Ray Winery in California, sourcing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from vineyard sites across multiple counties to achieve a layered, multi-terroir blend.

What foods pair well with Tri County Cabernet? Grilled ribeye steak highlights the wine's dark-fruit depth. Herb-crusted lamb chops complement the peppercorn and cedar notes. Aged cheddar or Gouda echoes the mocha undertones from oak aging. Braised short ribs match the wine's soft, velvety texture. Mushroom risotto connects with its subtle earthy character.

What sizes does Tri County Cabernet come in? Martin Ray Tri County Cabernet Sauvignon is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Tri County Cabernet worth the price? It positions as a value-tier California Cabernet that punches above its weight, delivering French oak aging and consulting-winemaker pedigree at a price point typically associated with simpler everyday reds.

Why Tri County Cabernet?

The involvement of Keith Emerson — a consulting winemaker who has earned perfect 100-point scores during his career — gives this bottling a level of craft unusual for its price tier. By blending fruit from multiple California counties, the wine captures a range of growing conditions that a single-appellation bottling cannot replicate, resulting in a layered and balanced glass. Martin Ray's Cabernet Sauvignon lineup has collected accolades including gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Sakura Awards, signaling consistent quality across the range. For drinkers who want serious California Cabernet without the premium-appellation markup, this Tri County release makes a compelling case.