Review: 2006 Martin Ray Pinot Noir Santa Barbara

I was majorly bummed to miss dinner at Charlie Palmer Steak last night for Restaurant Week. I got way behind in my reading for my upcoming graduate class in New York and needed the extra couple of hours that would finally help me finish this 700+ page text on the history of Eastern religions. Exciting stuff, I know.

The Boyfriend, sensing my disappointment, decided to play the hero. So, he brought Charlie Palmer Steak to us in the form of a homemade dinner, complete with two beautiful New York strip steaks, steamed asparagus with a perfect green color, and, of course, a bottle of wine.

Now, everyone knows you’re supposed to drink Cabernet Sauvignon with steak, right? Cabernet Sauvignon has a dark, earthy flavor that stands on its own next to any thick, juicy slab of cow goodness.

But I hate following the rules. No one will judge you for drinking almost any red with steak, but be sure to pick something more full-bodied, such as Syrah or Zinfandel. You might also be surprised to hear that Pinot Noir, known for being more of a light red, can also fall in this category, just as long as it’s one from California or Oregon; the colder climate brings forth more acidity and darker fruit. Besides, I’ve been dying to try the Martin Ray Pinot Noir that’s been sitting in my wine refrigerator for months after it ranked #1 on Corridor’s Top 20 Wines list earlier this year.

The 2006 Martin Ray Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County ($19.99) is exactly the kind of smooth, fruity red that could be paired with any dish—steak, fish, pasta, you name it. I know my “white wines only, please” friends will love its lightness and absolutely no bitter or alcoholic aftertaste. Red wine fans will love the berry flavors and overall balance. Not bad for a wine which received 87 points from Wine Spectator and the Silver Medal at the 2008 Orange County Fair.

Then again, what else can you expect from a winery named 2007 Winery of the Year by Wine and Spirits Magazine? Martin Ray wines, many under $20, are a fabulous deal—and they’re not hard to find at your local wine and liquor store. So remember the name. Martin Ray, Martin Ray, Martin Ray.

Photo from Martin Ray Winery