Louis M. Martini 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 750ml

Louis M. Martini is one of Napa Valley’s founding names. The winery dates to 1933 and made its first Napa Cabernet that year, in the era just after Prohibition, and its Cabernets have a reputation as classic, dependable, “old-school” Napa. 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 his style connects the winery’s past with modern Napa.

The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, and 1% Merlot, sourced from several premium Napa vineyards to represent “both high elevation and valley floor fruit,” and aged in about 30% new French and American oak. It’s a large production, about 60,000 cases, at 15% ABV. The winemaker’s notes: “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. This wine is incredibly enjoyable now and will age for years to come.”

Critics have given it a consistent run of 90s. James Suckling scored it 93: “A slightly high-toned red with walnut, berry, chocolate and spice on the nose and palate. Medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins and a rich finish. A little firmer and tighter than in the past, which equates to a more serious red. A touch of petit sirah in this. Drink or hold.” Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate scored it 92+: “Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives up bold notions of cassis, black cherries and spice box with hints of cedar and fragrant earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with loads of muscular fruit accented by a notable but not overwhelming oaky presence, going to a long, layered finish.” Vinous’s Antonio Galloni scored it 92: “a racy, juicy wine to drink now and over the next decade. Super-ripe red cherry fruit, mocha, spice, new leather and sweet spice are all kicked up in this tasty, boisterous Cabernet from Martini.” Decanter scored it 92: “A Napa Cabernet nose to revel in, all dark, glossy, sweet ripe cassis enrobed in mocha oak.” Wine Spectator scored it 91: “Solid and direct, with a core of plum sauce and cassis wrapped in warm vanilla-accented toast. Picks up tobacco and licorice root hints through the grippy finish.” Wine Enthusiast scored it 90, noting “jammy blackberry, cherry, dark chocolate and graham cracker that make for a decadent, approachable experience.” A blogger at Into Wine scored it 93, calling it “a solid dependable Napa cabernet” that “blends oak, fruit, tannic structure, and acidity into a lovely wine that is not a fruit forward jammy production but one that truly represents classic old-school Napa cabernet.”

It’s an easy, well-reviewed Napa Cabernet at a friendly price: an excellent choice for a steak dinner, a gift, or a house red for Cabernet lovers. Decant for 30 minutes, and serve at about 62-65°F with grilled steak, lamb, burgers, or aged cheddar.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Louis M. Martini 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Louis M. Martini (winemaker Michael Eddy) in Napa Valley, California, a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, and 1% Merlot from high-elevation and valley-floor vineyards, aged in about 30% new French and American oak. About 60,000 cases. 15% ABV, 750ml.

Critics Reviews

James Suckling — 93 Points (June 2021):
“A slightly high-toned red with walnut, berry, chocolate and spice on the nose and palate. Medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins and a rich finish. A little firmer and tighter than in the past, which equates to a more serious red. A touch of petit sirah in this. Drink or hold.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 92+ Points:
“Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives up bold notions of cassis, black cherries and spice box with hints of cedar and fragrant earth. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with loads of muscular fruit accented by a notable but not overwhelming oaky presence, going to a long, layered finish.”

Antonio Galloni, Vinous — 92 Points (January 2022):
“A racy, juicy wine to drink now and over the next decade. Super-ripe red cherry fruit, mocha, spice, new leather and sweet spice are all kicked up in this tasty, boisterous Cabernet from Martini. (Drink between 2022-2032)”

Decanter — 92 Points:
“A Napa Cabernet nose to revel in, all dark, glossy, sweet ripe cassis enrobed in mocha oak.”

Wine Spectator — 91 Points:
“Solid and direct, with a core of plum sauce and cassis wrapped in warm vanilla-accented toast. Picks up tobacco and licorice root hints through the grippy finish. Best from 2021 through 2027.”

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points:
“This wine delivers flavors of jammy blackberry, cherry, dark chocolate and graham cracker that make for a decadent, approachable experience. Drinkable now, it will please an array of palates.”

Into Wine — 93 Points:
“A solid dependable Napa cabernet... not a fruit forward jammy production but one that truly represents classic old-school Napa cabernet.”

Tasting Profile

Nose
Deep ruby-garnet. Black cherry, blackberry, plum, and cassis, with toasted oak, dried currant, baking spice, and cedar.

Palate
Medium- to full-bodied, with dark cherry, cassis, mocha, and a gravelly earthiness, with chewy, fine-grained tannin and bright acidity.

Finish
Long and polished, with sweet oak, torn mint, and spice.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Grilled steak and burgers
• Lamb and venison
• Braised short ribs
• Aged cheddar

Serving Note

Decant for 30 minutes; serve at about 62-65°F.