2013 Louis M. Martini "Lot #1" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

“A perfect wine, that seems to have gone from one strength to another since I first tasted it, the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 1 is absolutely amazing wine. It was aged 21 months in 87% new French oak, finished at 15.3% alcohol and was another abundant vintage, as this lot produced 850 cases, which is even more than 2012 and slightly less than 2003 and 2014. The wine has an inky purple color, a gorgeous nose of graphite, blueberry liqueur intermixed with cassis, blackberry, espresso roast, chocolate and graphite. Dense and incredibly intense with good acidity (slightly lower pH than the 2012, reflected in the character of the wine), fabulous purity and a finish that goes on for close to 50+ seconds. This could well turn out to be the greatest wine ever made at the Louis Martini Winery and that is saying something. It has at least 30-50+ years of aging potential and is clearly a compelling effort from this historic and iconic winery in Napa. (RP)” (10/2016)

“This landmark Napa vintage has delivered a powerful, concentrated wine that will make fans of modern Napa Cabernet swoon with joy. It features pronounced aromas of mulberry, currant, and fig and hints of smoke, peppery spice, and earth. The texture is lushly dense, with powerful yet velvety tannins, immense extract, and a lingering finish. It is blended from grapes from Howell Mountain, Stags Leap, Oakville, Atlas Peak, and the Silverado Bench, aged 19 months in French oak (87% new). (CC)” (03/2024)

“Still a baby, with waves of pure cassis, plum reduction and raspberry compote powering through, all riveted by a graphite spine, while hints of red tea, licorice and singed alder wait their turn. The finish tightens up, and this may be headed for more of a closed period. Nothing to fret about, though, as this is built for the long haul. A new benchmark for the winery. (JM, Web-2020)” (12/2020)

“This ranks among the producer's biggest, boldest and most luxurious wines, a celebration of all that the appellation can offer in a stellar vintage. Integrated tannins provide structure without distraction, while layers of red berry, currant and leather combine for a dry, ripe and rewarding mouthfeel. (VB)” (02/2017)