Louis M. Martini, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Though distinctly different from Martini’s Napa Valley bottling, it is equally appealing, perhaps because it is so different.  This Cabernet is more floral and “pretty,” less mineraly and lacking the black olive note of its neighbor from Napa.  It still manages to combine a mouth-watering savory component to mixture of fruit notes.  It, too, has a long and thankfully, slightly bitter finish.  It would be another good choice for autumnal fare.  If one wanted to compare these two Cabernets to Bordeaux, the Napa Valley bottling is more Paulillac-like, while the Alexander Valley one speaks of St. Julien.  Neither, thankfully, carry the price tags of those French appellations.