These cabernets from Louis M. Martini are very drinkable. The winemaker keeps them in barrel a little longer than the norm so that they will be more approachable. Try one of the following reds.

Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County 2001 Price $17 Rating 91 A luxurious nose of concentrated cassis and ripe plum, then there are flavors of velvety red fruit with a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2000 Price $24 Rating 92 A beautiful nose packed with jamy fruit and a note of exotic spice, then there are flavors of cassis, black cherry and subtl, refined leather. There is a dusting of cocoa powder in the long, complex length.

Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2000 Price $35 Rating 94 A classy nose filled with ripe, dark fruit complimented by a nice lilt of reined leather, then there are bold flavors of red cherry, black cherry, cassis and elegant leather within the long, complex finish.

Louis M. Martini Cabernet "Ghost Pines Vnyrd" Chiles Valley, Napa 1999 Price $30 Rating 92 "A very spicy, cedar-briar component meets you upon the initial aroma,"
observes winemaker Michael Martini, "which then broadens into red cherry and white pepper along with a slight gingerbread character...flavors come through with warm clove and anise characteristics wrapped around powerful cherry fruit."

"When my grandfather started our family winery, he wanted to make the best wines he could using grapes from the best vineyards in Northern California,"
says Martini. "I'm still doing exactly the same thing today."

Michael Martini learned winemaking and grape growing first hand while growing up at the family winery. After school, he worked alongside his father and grandfather. "My father's wines are silk, but mine are velvet."

When not making wine, he enjoys riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and playing guitar in a winemaker's rock band named the "Private Reserve."