The biggest complaint I hear is that Napa cabernets are too expensive. And yes, some are. But there are some that fly under the radar, like Martini. Though the winery dates back to 1933, they were making other wines for church use and home winemaking before and during Prohibition. Once Prohibition was over, the Louis M. Martini winery had been built and was ready to go and cabernet has been their flagship ever since. This wine offers complex and layered fruit, oak, tannins and acidity working harmoniously to make a superb cabernet. There are notes of blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry with a moderate tannic structure. Back notes of rose water, cassis, mountain wild flowers, vanilla, plum and pomegranate round it out. In a world where balance seems askew, this wine reflects balance deftly.
ORIGIN: Napa Valley
ALCOHOL: 15%
PRICE: $45/750 ml
SCORE: 93 POINTS