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Wines of the Week, January 12, 2014





LOUIS MARTINI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011
SONOMA, CALIFORNIA 




LOUIS MARTINI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
NAPA, CALIFORNIA 



I'm departing from my usual format this week by offering two (2) wines for your consideration. Both are by Louis Martini, both are Cabernet Sauvignons, and both are very good. Many vineyards release multi-tiered wines: from an inexpensive everyday, entry-level wine up to a high-end wine. The differences are more than just the price, and include where the grapes are from, who the vintner is, how long the wine has aged, etc. The Cabernet from Sonoma is made from grapes from Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley. It is a well-balanced wine, with aromas and flavors of plum, blackberry, and raspberry, with hints of chocolate, vanilla, and oak. Although 2011 was a difficult grape-growing year in California, the vintner has produced a very good wine for everyday drinking. The Cabernet from Napa Valley, a more expensive, high-end wine, is more complex in aromas and flavors (smoky cedar, an earthiness, unsmoked cigar tobacco, leather) than the Cabernet from Sonoma. Also, it has a fuller body, a higher level of alcohol, and a longer finish. Taste the two Cabernets side by side, and the differences will become immediately apparent.