Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Private Reserve 2006

This notable example first presents inviting aromasof cassis, sweet herbs and hints of pipe tobacco. On the palate, it exhibits a firm structure and intriguing flavors of ripe black cherries, deep, briary red fruits and old-world complexities that linger through a memorable finish.

However, this estate does some stunning work in Napa as evidenced by one of the great values in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa. Made from 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and the rest Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot, this stunning wine can undoubtedly be found discounted to under $25 a bottle. Moreover, there are nearly 66,000 cases produced, so it one of the few outstanding Napa Cabernets that also has tremendous availability. Its dense plum/garnet color is followed by a stunning perfume of black currants, loamy soil, blackberries and smoke. The wine cuts a full-bodied swath across the palate and possesses silky tannins, layers of fruit and a beautiful, opulent, round mouthfeel. It should drink nicely for 10-15 years. Readers may remember that I gave the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 90 points, and the 2007 is even better!

A strong line-up of Napa offerings from Louis M. Martini includes a superb bargain, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, a 7,000-case blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and the rest Syrah and Petit Verdot. Its deep ruby/plum color is accompanied by sweet blue and red fruits intertwined with hints of loamy soil, licorice, and subtle background oak. With good flavor as well as silky tannins, this well-balanced, concentrated 2006 should be even better over the next 10-15 years. It is a big-time sleeper of the vintage.

The more expensive 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is denser, more tannic, and more intense in fruit without the spice and earthiness of the Sonoma bottling. It should drink well for up to a decade.

A bit thick in tannins now, this wine needs more time to settle down, but by 2008 it should be a nice sipper. It has polished cherry and cocoa flavors with a sweet coat of smoky oak.

The dark ruby-hued 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is soft, round, and fruity offering more herbaceous black currant notes along with cedar and spice box. Light tannin, medium body, and good sweetness suggest drinking it over the next 7-8 years.

A good Cab, dry and smoothly tannic, with black currant, cedar and spice flavors. totally dry, it shows sophistication and class, but not ageability. Easy to find, with more than 15,000 cases produced.