Sheila & Bennet Bodenstein
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Louis M. Martini Wines
With Fathers day rapidly approaching, we write this as a guide to some really exceptional wines to get for DOD (Dear Old Dad) if he should happen to be a wine lover. A winery that has borne the name of its founder for over 100 years must stand for something way beyond the ordinary. The Louis M. Martini Winery has been around since 1899 and even managed to stay in business during the anti-alcohol Prohibition period. The driving spirit behind this was the indomitable personality of its founder Louis M. Martini. With the end of prohibition the winery continued to grow and produce exceptional wines. These wines were trend setters; they set the style that many wineries still follow today. One of Louis M. Martini’s pet peeves was the over use of oak to mask inferior grapes. He would always say “If you can smell oak; if you can taste oak; it’s too much oak.” Today, Louis M.’s grandson Michael carries on the family tradition by producing uncompromisingly exceptional wines. Rather than producing a cross section of wines as is the case with most California wineries, he concentrates for the most part on one major variety, Cabernet Sauvignon. In doing that he opens himself and the winery to the maximum of criticism. Anybody who is interested in wine considerers himself/herself a Cabernet Sauvignon expert: even the experts consider themselves Cabernet Sauvignon experts. This means that any of the Louis M. Martini wines will always be tasted with a Sword of Damocles hanging over them. With all of this, the wines of Louis M. Martini have always passed the test and passed it with flying colors. Louis M Martini 2004 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon ($15). This wine is the star of the house style for Louis M Martini. It helps to show the direction that the other cabs will take. All of the interesting and enticing flavors found in far more costly cabernet sauvignon wines are present in this gem. A lush flavor of berries, ripe cherries and cassis are underscored by gentle oak. It is a prime example of a well made, truly well made Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon and a great gift for DOD if he is just starting into wines.
Louis M Martini 2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($25). The direction a wine will take is made in the fields and it is the location of the grape vineyard that will often make a huge difference in the finished product. The Napa Valley is noted for its fine Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and the wines made from them unquestionably prove that out. The Louis M Martini 2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is without question a modern California Cabernet Sauvignon in that it stresses a big fruit aroma and flavor. Cherry is the featured flavor and aroma followed very closely by summer berries and a slight amount of oak in the background. The tannins, that component of a red wine that produces the dry sensation in the cheeks, are held in check and combine with the rest of the elements in the wine to produce a velvety mouth feel. We found this to be an excellent wine that can accompany a broad spectrum of summer meat dishes and should not be relegated solely to be served with the heavy red meats.
Louis M Martini 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($35). Within the Napa Valley there are small district that produce exceptional grapes; the Alexander Valley is one of them. This wine is one of the best cabs produced by Louis M Martini Vineyards. Intense and rich, this cabernet shows the ripe round flavors of black currant, spice and bright cherry fruit with solid toasty oak flavors. Many months of barrel aging, contributes to sweet wood aromas and good tannic structure for extended cellaring. The Louis M Martini 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a fine wine for those special dinners and times when only the best will do.
Louis M Martini 2003 Lot 1 Cabernet Sauvignon ($100). The Crème de Crème of the Martini Cabs. This is an incredible wine of massive proportions. If DOD truly loves wine and appreciates the finest, Lot 1 will truly endear you in his heart and result in a wine he will never forget.