Louis M. Martini 2009 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
Little did I know that a quick peak inside one of my wine cellars would inspire me to pick a wine, a theme and the perfect quote for inspiration:
This corpulent, plump, juicy, delicious, hedonistic effort should keep for up to a decade – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
As I went through wines in search of tonight’s perfect choice, the 2009 Louis M. Martini Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon called to me. I wasn’t particularly looking for a California Cabernet in fact I was looking for anything but. Yet, this bottle had me at 2009, the vintage.
How had I held on to this bottle for so long? This isn’t a wine I would usually age. Yet here it was. A vague memory told me there was a story and of course there was. Louis M Martini wines, Michael Martini the third generation winemaker (grandson of Louis M. Martini) and even my parents played a part. Should you be intrigued and want to know more just click on the link provided although it’s not required:
Napa Valley – 2009 Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon
Yes, my first inspiration was the vintage. But as I researched the wine itself and came across the Wine Advocate quote, I just knew the wine Gods had pointed me in the right direction: “should keep for up to a decade”, well let’s see about that!
Flash forward:
DAMN! or YES! they were right. Referring to wine reviews and winemaker notes describing this wine to be big, bold, corpulent, hedonistic, and high-toned it is now interesting to experience and taste how the aging process of ten years enhanced and yet softened this wine.
Notes:
Rich dark dried or candied fruit on the nose; plum, blackberry, prune, raisin. Compote like. Same on the palate with the addition of an earthy and vegetative taste. Now ten years after harvest, I found it to be as smooth as a big Pinot Noir from Oregon or South America, yet still a California Cabernet.
Inspiration found, how lucky am I……. ¡SALUD!