Louis M. Martini Lot 1 2019
Winemaker Notes
Our concept of small-lot winemaking dates back to 1948 when Louis M. Martini began ranking his most exceptional Cabernet lots to use for a special selection blend. We honor this attention to detail with every vintage we make, fermenting Lot No. 1 in small open-top tanks, which allow for a high level of precision when extracting color and flavor. All lots were alternately punched down and pumped over up to four times daily to build the desired foundation for the wine’s mouthfeel. Our barrel program for Lot No. 1 is also unique, with the primary component being 36-month air dried French oak. This longer drying time encourages rich tannin structure throughout the duration of the wine’s 19 months in barrel (83% new).
Notes of crème de cassis, black cherry, green olive and dried fennel root extend from the nose through to the supple, bold palate. The unctuous finish uncovers layers of oak that you would expect from a classic Napa Cabernet.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
"Deep and concentrated blueberries, dark chocolate and espresso flavors fill out this powerful but polished wine whose firm but gentle tannins will carry it to a long life. It's the top-of-the-line Cabernet from the now Cabernet-centric 90-year-old winery. Best from 2027–2040." - 96 points, Wine Enthusiast, September 2023
Louis M. Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
The 2019 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine grown along the meandering Russian River. Pronounced aromas of brambleberry, crushed dried herbs and violet rise from the glass. The palate delivers notes of graham cracker pie crust and black plum with undercurrents of dried sage and leather. This wine lands firmly on the rustic side of Cabernet with dusty tannins and a long earthy finish.
Grapes were picked early in the morning to preserve maximum flavor enroute to the winery. All lots were aged and evaluated separately, allowing us to craft a harmonious wine before marrying the final blend in barrel to finish aging. In total, the wine spent 17 months in a combination of French and American oak (29% new).
Varietal: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Sirah
Dalla Valle “MAYA” 2019
The 2019 Insignia marks the first vintage to include fruit from the new Joseph Phelps vineyard named El Venadito, located in the Oak Knoll District, just south of the winery’s Yountville Vineyard. It is aged for 18 Months in 48% New Oak, & 60% 1-2 year old French & American oak barrels.
Colour: A brooding purple-black in color
Nose: Enthralling aromas of crème de cassis, mocha, and Morello cherry draw you in, while supporting notions of wildflowers, unrefined earth, and dried herbs captivate the senses.
Palate: As the wine sits in the glass, facets of tobacco leaf, crushed rock, and blackberry begin to surface, yet you can sense a deeper complexity has yet to fully reveal itself.
Pairings: Hard cheese & red meat
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc
Awards: 100 points, Robert Parker & 100 points, Jeb Dunnuck
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
2019 Insignia marks the first vintage to include fruit from the new Joseph Phelps vineyard named El Venedito, located in the Oak Knoll District, just south of the winery’s Yountville Vineyard.
The wine was aged for eighteen months in 48% new oak (58% French, 42% American) and 52%
older French and American oak barrels before bottling.
A classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with inviting violet, dark fruit, tobacco, subtle baking spice and earthy dried herb aromatics. The palate is filled with expressive black cherry, blackberry and dark plum, hints of spice box and sweet vanilla bean. A focused, concentrated wine with youthful energy and freshness nimbly balanced by supple tannin structure and finesse.
94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% Malbec from estate and grower vineyards in St. Helena, south Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Stags Leap District and Rutherford in Napa Valley.
Joseph Phelps Insignia 2019
The 2019 Insignia opens with heady aromatics of red fruit, crème de cassis, leafy tobacco and delicate dried rose petals. The palate is juicy and dense with expressive layers of blackberry, raspberry, black currant, and dark chocolate. A dynamic wine offering captivating energy, length, complexity and refinement.
93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec from estate-grown Napa Valley vineyards: 32% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 23% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 14% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 3% Barboza (Stags Leap District), 2% El Venadito (Oak Knoll District).
"Another beautiful wine from this team… It has a classic varietal and incredibly complex nose of crème de cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, green tobacco, and damp earth, with a kiss of background sappy spring flowers. Unquestionably up with the finest vintages of this cuvée, this is legit awesome juice that’s going to offer incredible pleasure over the coming 20-25 years."
- 99 points; Jeb Dunnuck, February 2022
Morlet Coeur De Vallee Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Located in the world-renowned Oakville appellation, in the heart of the Napa Valley, our Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines benefit from the gravelly and loamy Bale soil derived from an alluvial fan in this warm yet temperate climate. Handcrafted using classical winemaking techniques, this wine is dedicated to Dr. Richard Johnson and Dr. Nancy Hampel who have always demonstrated their kindness of heart. It is ‘Heart of the Valley’ or ‘Coeur de Vallée.’
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc
Winemaker Notes:
Deep garnet-purple colour, ‘Coeur de Vallée’ is characterized by a striking bouquet of lavender and violets over a core of sweet red berries, crème de cassis, Chambord liqueur, blackcurrants and licorice, and compelling notes of mocha, espresso, chocolate and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied with an impressive fine-grained texture, this powerful yet refined Cabernet Sauvignon is expressive from start to finish, boasting a background freshness that supports the intense black fruit layers. The wine displays an extraordinary concentration, richness, finesse and purity while possessing silky and polished tannins leading to an elegant lift on the long, lush finish.
Jayson by Pahlmeyer Red Blend 2019
Jayson Red Wine is a distinctive blend from some of Napa Valley’s finest vineyards, crafted to express each vintage with intensity and richness. With vintage 2020, fruit was sourced primarily from Atlas Peak, supported by fruit grown in the renowned Stagecoach Vineyard and other exceptional Napa Valley sites. Grapes were hand-picked and hand-sorted before undergoing fermentation in stainless steel tanks to enhance its fruit profile and retain bright acidity. The wine was then racked to 65% new French oak barrels for 15 months of aging.
This wine has aromas of crushed black cherry, fraises des bois, and wild mushroom on the nose. The palate opens, layer upon plush layer, with raspberry, strawberry, and lingonberry, all held beautifully in focus by integrated polished tannins.
Opus One 2019
Opus One was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, legendary proprietor of Château Mouton Rothschild, and renowned Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. By combining the great winemaking traditions and innovations of both families, the founders’ singular goal was to create an exceptional wine in the heart of Napa Valley. Opus One, like any great work, arose out of passion. Dedicated to uncompromised quality, Opus One’s sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come.
VINTAGE 2o19
Abundant spring rains, nearly double the annual average, saturated the soil and provided ample water for the growing season. The first signs of budbreak were observed in the vineyard on March 27th; a full 15 days later than usual. This delay led to later bloom and veraison. However, warmer temperatures toward the end of summer accelerated the fruit’s development and maturity. Picking began on September 10th, a couple of days earlier than average. The harvest lasted four weeks, and activity in the cellar proceeded at a calm and steady pace.
The Opus One 2019 has intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, black currant, and dried rose petals, accentuated by mineral undertones. The creamy, satiny texture is framed by finegrained tannins. The freshness and soft glow of acidity create a subtle tension with dark fruit flavors, savory herbs, espresso, and cocoa. A delicate dark chocolate bitterness lingers on the finish.
VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon 78%, Merlot 8%, Petit Verdot 6%, Cabernet Franc 6%, and Malbec 2%
SKIN CONTACT
22 days
BARREL AGING
19 months in new French oak