Martin Ray was an eccentric and perfectionist wine maker the likes of which California may never see again. The only living wine trade person I can think of that is about as perfectionist and opinionated as Martin Ray was is Mme. Leroy. Some of Rays wines were outstanding and some are still holding. Others were awful. When you push your theories to the limits, you sometimes fail completely. I only had one bottle of Martin Ray 1965 Piot Noir, which I bought at least 25 years ago. I really was not expecting it to be drinkable. Even many top wines from Burgundy are too old after 39 years, and California Pinot Noirs are not noted for extremely long life, in general.
The wine is still fairly deep colored, especially for a Pinot Noir of this age. There was some age showing around the rim, but not excessive. It has plenty of bouquet and taste left. Major things that come to mind are dark fruit and spice. Many minor notes include leather, tobacco, smoke, and hints of mushrooms and dry leaves. There is also a bit of barnyard character that I could do without. There is plenty of acid and some tannin left. I could not call it a fine wine at this stage because, although very complex, it has a few off notes such as the slight barnyard character that somewhat offset the overall whole impression. Yes, I know some fine Burgundy can have a slight barnyard character, but it is a bit cleaner than what I noted in this wine. In any event, drinking it was a very interesting experience, and the backup bottle of another wine I had ready to open will remain for another day.
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