Louis Martini, Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Our 2017 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh, fruit-driven wine. It offers a welcomingly round mouthfeel with ripe notes of blackberry, blueberry and red plum. Hints of cocoa and oak on the finish add a savory layer of complexity to this approachably smooth Cabernet.
WINEMAKER NOTES
After de-stemming, fermentation temperatures between 88°F and 92°F encouraged rich flavor development and a plush mouthfeel. A careful selection of French and American oak brought forth additional complexity, while touches of Merlot and Petite Sirah contributed to the wine’s rich depth and round profile. Average time on oak was 16 months.
VITICULTURE NOTES
Grapes were predominantly selected from two of our renowned, crown jewel vineyards in Sonoma County: Frei Ranch in the Dry Creek Valley AVA and BarrelliCreek Vineyard in the Alexander Valley AVA. In 2017, abundant winter rains fueled vine growth early in the season. A steady summer and fall followed, with consistently warm temperatures leading to a slightly early harvest with intensely fruit-forward yields.
AWARDS
"Dense red with berries, chocolate and some spice and toffee. Full body. Juicy finish. Delicious now." 92 points. James Suckling, Jan 2020
"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a nose of crushed black and red plums, blackcurrant pastilles and mulberries with hints of cedar chest, pencil lead and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is firm and chewy with a great core of classic cedar-laced cassis flavors, finishing with impressive freshness. 49,450 cases were made." 86 points. Wine Advocate, April 2020