Norm Bentley. PHOTO PROVIDED

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

Of all the wines that I reviewed in 2020, which received a score of 90 or above, this one was my favorite.

I have always liked a Slab and a Cab, plus this one is a sentimental favorite.

2016 Louis Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

#20-2020

In the late 1970’s, I spent the better part of a year in Northern California, and one of my most pleasant memories was going to the Safeway with a five dollar bill and coming home with an eight ounce fillet and a bottle of Louis Martini Napa Cab. Man, those were the days! The 2016 Louis Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon might be a tad better, and it is definitely a tad more expensive, but it is a high quality Napa Cab, and still great with a juicy, thick fillet!

This is a big, bold, and yet sophisticated California Cab with a rich heritage, and a rich taste to match. The flavors are black currant and dark cherry, with a bit of spice mixed in. The oak gives it a long and luxurious finish which sails off into the night. The alcohol content is 15.1%, and Norm’s score is 92.

A bottle of Louis Martini Cab and a fat steak are a good reminder of the good old days in the Northern California Wine Country!

Score: 92

Price: $32 – $37