BETTER THAN A MARTINI

MARTINI AND ROSSI, on the rocks. No, that's not it. Louis M. Martini. That's the name on the label of the wine I uncorked while I was on a working holiday at Yosemite National Park. Since quality wines by the glass at every restaurant in the Ahwahnee Hotel would set me back at least $17 a glass, I decided that wine-time was happening pre-dinner, in-room, with a bottle 2007 Louis M. Martini Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon that was sent to me as a sample. 

I'd been meaning to taste the wine for months, so I was pretty curious. I corked and poured. It's dark and rich, and smells of blueberries, blackberries and cinnamon. On the tongue, it's smooth and chocolatey at the outset, then delivers a spice kick on the finish. It's all there, everything that I want in a nice glass of Cabernet, and although the suggested retail price on it is $17, the hotel gift shop was selling it for $13. Since I enjoyed the wine without food, I can't comment on it's pairing abilities, but I can tell you that if you are up for paying the price, you won't be disappointed. And if you can find it on sale somewhere, stock up.
Before you head to the wine store, you should know that Louis M. Martini makes not one, but three different Cabernets; one from Napa, one from Sonoma, one from Alexander Valley, and one from Monte Rosso that's earning all kinds of awards. I only tried the Sonoma Cab, and it won my heart.