Louis M. Martini, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 A very successful Napa Cabernet in all respects at a price that isn’t painful in the context of the category, this is firmly rooted in robust but pure fruit without any impression of excessive cellar treatment.  Stated differently, this is honest, gutsy Cabernet that relies on dark-toned fruit at its core, with a few spicy and toasty accents that are…accents, and no more assertive than that word suggests.  Blackberry, black cherry, and cassis are the fruit notes that first come to mind by analogy, and though those could seem a bit imposing, this isn’t rough or astringent, though most tasters will consider it a wine for the table rather than for stand-alone sipping.  I wish many more wines from Napa were made in this style.  This is the best vintage of this wine I’ve ever tasted.