Louis M. Martini Lot No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA 2019
Louis M. Martini’s Lot No. 1 is hand-harvested, hand-sorted and fermented in small open-top tanks and aged in 36-month air dried French oak. This longer drying time encourages rich tannin structure throughout the duration of the wine’s 19 months in barrel (88% new).
Opening with black currant, dried bay leaf, boysenberry and cinnamon on the nose, notes of red cherries, olive and dark chocolate alight the palate. Full-bodied with creamy tannins and a long, dusty finish, this wine is the ultimate expression of an optimal vintage.
The 2021 growing season marked a welcome return to ideal. Winter rains quenched the soil, setting the stage for dry weather the rest of the season. Over the summer, conditions stayed uneventful and mild, giving the grapes the luxury of hanging on the vine. Harvest began early, producing low yields of small berries with intense flavor concentration and optimal ripeness.
"A big, grand, reserve-style wine in the ripe and full-bodied mode that’s blended from sites up and down the valley. It’s generous in blueberries, black cherries and oak spices. Made from 30% Stagecoach Vineyard and 100% cabernet sauvignon. Mouth-filling, full-bodied, ripe and delicious. Drink or hold.” JAMES SUCKLING 94
