PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Louis M. Martini is one of Napa Valley’s founding names. The winery dates to 1933, when Louis Martini made Napa’s first Cabernet in the years after Prohibition, and the family helped establish Napa and Sonoma as premium grape-growing regions. Winemaker Michael Eddy, the fourth winemaker in the winery’s history, took over in 2015 after more than a decade of mentorship under third-generation winemaker Mike Martini, and the 2022 is among the highest-scoring wines of his tenure.
The 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec, from mountain and benchland vineyards across Napa, at 14.8% ABV. The winemaker describes it as “classic and well-structured,” with “soft and approachable notes of black plum and wisps of fennel on the nose. Layers of dark cherry and cassis are underscored by hints of black licorice and a gravelly earthiness. The oak is well-integrated, imparting notes of sweet aromatics, resin and a bit of torn mint on the long finish.” K&L Wines adds that “the 2022 is drinking beautifully, with the warmth of the vintage giving the fruit profile a little more generosity and immediate appeal. There’s a gorgeous mix of crushed redcurrant, ripe plum, blackberry, loamy earth, charred spice, and subtle leather.”
Critics rated it among the best values in Napa. James Suckling scored it 94: “Currant, green pine-cone and bark aromas follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a creamy texture. Reserved at the end. Very fine and elegant.” Wine Enthusiast also scored it 94: “Layered and lavish, this super concentrated wine blankets dark chocolate, dried blueberries and mocha flavors in thick, velvety tannins for a powerful effect that lasts through a lingering finish. Best through 2033.” Wine Spectator scored it 92: “Ripe, but with freshness to help carry off the well-laden core of blackberry, boysenberry and black cherry compote. Reveals a nice backdrop of singed alder and mesquite as well as licorice snap, with good underlying juiciness.” Decanter scored it 91.
It’s a step up from the 2018, with warmer, plusher fruit and an even more polished finish, and, at its price, a rare chance to buy a 94-point Napa Cabernet. It’s ready to drink now and should age well through 2033. Decant for 30 minutes, and serve with grilled steak, lamb, burgers, or aged cheddar.
Louis M. Martini 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Louis M. Martini (winemaker Michael Eddy) in Napa Valley, California, a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec from mountain and benchland vineyards. 14.8% ABV, 750ml.
James Suckling — 94 Points:
“Currant, green pine-cone and bark aromas follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a creamy texture. Reserved at the end. Very fine and elegant.”
Wine Enthusiast — 94 Points:
“Layered and lavish, this super concentrated wine blankets dark chocolate, dried blueberries and mocha flavors in thick, velvety tannins for a powerful effect that lasts through a lingering finish. Best through 2033.”
Wine Spectator — 92 Points:
“Ripe, but with freshness to help carry off the well-laden core of blackberry, boysenberry and black cherry compote. Reveals a nice backdrop of singed alder and mesquite as well as licorice snap, with good underlying juiciness.”
Decanter — 91 Points
Louis M. Martini (winemaker’s notes):
“Classic and well-structured, this Cabernet Sauvignon brims with soft and approachable notes of black plum and wisps of fennel on the nose. Layers of dark cherry and cassis are underscored by hints of black licorice and a gravelly earthiness. The oak is well-integrated, imparting notes of sweet aromatics, resin and a bit of torn mint on the long finish.”
Nose
Black plum, blackcurrant, and blackberry, with fennel, sage, toasted oak, and baking spice.
Palate
Medium- to full-bodied, with dark cherry, cassis, dark chocolate, mocha, licorice, loamy earth, and velvety tannin.
Finish
Long and polished, with sweet oak, torn mint, and charred spice.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Napa Valley, California |
| Blend | 89% Cabernet Sauvignon · 4% Merlot · 3% Petit Verdot · 3% Cabernet Franc · 1% Malbec |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Producer | Louis M. Martini (est. 1933) — winemaker Michael Eddy |
| Vineyards | Napa mountain and benchland sites |
| ABV | 14.8% |
| Critics | James Suckling 94 · Wine Enthusiast 94 · Wine Spectator 92 · Decanter 91 |
| Drinking Window | Now through 2033 (Wine Enthusiast) |
| Style / Identity | A classic, plush, polished Napa Cabernet that drinks above its price |
| Aromas & Flavors | Blackcurrant, plum, blackberry, dark chocolate, mocha, licorice, loamy earth |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Decant for 30 minutes; serve at about 62-65°F.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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