2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 1
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 1 spent 22 months in 100% new French oak and there are 710 cases of it. Opaque bluish purple, with more reserved aromatics than the 2003 or 2004, the wine still offers up a dense purple color, a stunningly rich, opulent mouthfeel and a long finish. It is interesting that the final blend was 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petite Sirah – I suspect it is that latter component that is keeping this wine somewhat tightly knit with oodles of promise, but still not ready for prime-time drinking even though it is already 11 years of age. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040+.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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The first Lot 1 was produced by Louis Martini in 1968. The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 1 from Louis Martini spent 27 months in French oak and tips the scales at 14.9% natural alcohol. This wine, an absolute bargain when it comes to the high ticket cost of Napa Cabernet, has a youthful, dense ruby/purple color. It is full of blueberry and blackcurrant fruit, and has a full-bodied mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a finish of a good 40+ seconds. This stunning Cabernet Sauvignon can be drunk now, or cellared for another two decades. Kudos to Louis Martini, which is owned now by Gallo. Nevertheless, this magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to the generations of Martinis that farmed vineyards in Northern California.
Apparently Lot 1 is based mainly on mountain AVAs such as Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak, Mt Veeder and Diamond Mountain, supplemented by valley floor fruit. This good-value wine seemed in the peak of condition. Blackish purple with a slightly but not excessively charred note. Interesting, intense and lively with strong, sweet cassis fruit and an attractive dry finish. Real vivacity and persistence to this wine – though it may not be that long-lived. (JR)