Louis Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
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Wong
Wilfred -
Spectator
Wine
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
The dark violet hue of the Louis M. Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is indicative of its decadent blackberry, cassis and black cherry aromas and flavors. Earthy notes of truffle, smoky cedar and dried herbs unfold around this wine's assertive tannins that will soften with age. Rich, expansive and well-structured with a long, lingering finish, this wine has aging potential of a decade or more.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Showing excellent richness and complexity, the intricate 2015 Louis M Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon brings loads of ripe fruit on the palate. The wine's freshness would pair it well with a crown roast of lamb. (Tasted: November 21, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Spectator
Seductive for the supple, juicy mix of blackberry and raspberry flavors, this has jazzy, oaky cedar, vanilla and mocha notes, ending long and focused. Drink now through 2028.
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A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.