Napa Valley Reserve
Louis Martini from Sonoma next review
14.6% abv
Louis M. Martini Winery
Healdburg, Sonoma County, California, USA
$27.49 on sale for $23.99 a bottle
Wine Advocate Rating: 91
My Strength Rating: 6 – because of its smooth and elegant style
A restaurant that I frequent carries Louis Martini as their house wine. It is not this particular one but, it is a tasty Cabernet as well.
Here are the tasting notes from the bottle: “…aromas of cassis, sweet herbs and hints of pipe tobacco. On the palate, … black cherries, deep, briary red fruits and old-world complexities…”
This is not 100% Cab. It is a blend of 82% Cabernet, 10% Merlot, and the rest is Petit Sirah and Petit Verdot. Don’t worry a lot of Cabs and Merlots are actually blended even though they are called; Cabernet or Merlot.
Right from the bottle – no decanting
This wine has a wonderful deep purple color that just says, ‘drink me.’
The aroma is not all that strong or discerning, red berry like and a touch smoky.
Right off the tannins are velvety smooth and the wine exhibits flavors of black and red currants, plum, and dry herbs. The mouthfeel is silky smooth and elegant.
Second glass decanted
The berry notes are a bit riper with more of a mixed berry aroma. The smoky note is still present in the aroma. The flavors are starting to come alive. I notice a better blackberry, dark cherry style mixed with the currants. The dry herbs are just a hint with a bit of spice is coming into play now. There is a pleasing dry earthy tone that is helping to build some character. While the mouthfeel is still smooth and elegant there is a better aftertaste that is coating the palate.
I just wish the flavors were a little bolder. Don't get me wrong, it is tasty, just a little stronger in flavor and then it would be very good.
Visit CigarPostings to see what classic cigar this wine was paired with.
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