2017 Louis Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Louis Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

#18-2021

I was asked recently, why so many of my reviews were about either Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, and the answer is quite simple.  These two grape varieties make up more than one third of all of the wine sold in the US.  In fact Cabs have a slight edge on Chardonnay in popularity, as Americans in greater numbers are consuming reds rather than whites.  In addition, I must confess that Cabs have been my favorite for many years.

Of course, there is also the "Chardonnay Queen" to be considered.  So, here comes another review about a very good Cab, but I will save the description of the steak which went with it.

Today's subject is the 2017 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, California, and its a really good one.  The flavor spectrum includes Black Cherry, Cassis, and a bit of Plum, supported by mellow tannins, and a succulent  finish, which truly begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 15%, and Norm's score is 92.  

A bottle of Martini Alexander Valley Cab is suitable for any grilled meat, but I would recommend you pair it with Prime Rib.  If you don't like this one, then Cabernet Sauvignon may not be the right choice for you.

score: 92

price: $25 - $32

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2017 Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon

#17-2021

We had a great steak dinner the other night featuring a two inch thick New York Strip from our local meat market (The best in the Southeast), and a bottle of Obsidian Cab, given to us by a friend, so yes, its another "Cab and a Slab" story.  When you have good friends, a good butcher shop, a good bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, and of course an excellent Grill Chef (me). how can you go wrong?

The color is red-black, yes, that's very dark red.  The aroma is like a basket of hot, freshly picked berries, and the flavors support that notion, with a thick, jammy. taste of blackberry and dark cherry. leading to a lingering finish which begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 14.6%, and Norm's score is 91.  

A bottle of Obsidian Cab would compliment almost any grilled meat.

score: 91

price: $21 - $27

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2016 Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay

2016 Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay

#16-2021

Last Friday night was rainy and windy, and perfect for Homemade Seafood Chowder, warm French Bread, an avocado and tomato salad, and, a bottle of 2016 Sterling Napa Chardonnay!

The scent of fresh sweet apples wafted through the air when I un-corked the bottle, the harbinger of good things to come.  The flavor is truly Chardonnay, with a combination of Golden Delicious Apples and ripe Bartlett Pear.  There may also be a touch of stonefruit accompanied by a citrus breeze.  The finish is crisp and refreshing.  The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 90.  

A bottle of Sterling Napa Chardonnay certainly pairs well with anything you like with Chardonnay.  I might suggest you try it with Veal or Chicken Piccata.

score: 90

price: $15 - $20

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Erath Pinot Noir

2018 Erath Pinot Noir

#15-2021

It is said that the best wine for Lamb is Merlot, so I soaked our Lamb Chops in Merlot for three hours before I put them on the grill.  However, the bottle I placed next to them on the table was the 2018 Oregon Pinot Noir from Erath.  I made a good choice on both counts!

This Pinot Noir is bright and fresh with a bouquet of strawberries and plums in its aroma.  The flavors swirl in the glass with the presence of red raspberry, strawberry and a hint of cherry.  The finish is lush and lingering.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

A bottle of Erath combined with thick medium rare grilled Lamb Chops was a great choice for Easter Dinner, which we served with fresh asparagus and mashed potatoes.  Oh, there were also deviled eggs!

score: 89

price: $16 - $19

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2017 Francis Coppola Blue Label Merlot

2017 Francis Coppola Blue Label Merlot

#14-2021

The Coppola Blue Label Merlot is actually a blend of 25% Petite Sirah, and 75% Merlot.  The grapes come from Sonoma, Monterey, and Paso Robles.  The flavor reminds me of a Claret from St Emilion, one of the regions in Bordeaux famous for its Merlot blends.

The nose sallies forth like a basket of fresh fruit with the aromas of blueberries and cherries.  The flavors definitely signal blueberry, cherry and a little dark chocolate.  the finish contains mild tannins, which enhance the lingering fruit presence on the palate  The alcohol content is 14.3%, and Norm's score is 89.  

A bottle of Coppola Merlot was a congenial companion for our Chicken Parmesan, sided with linguine in Marinara Sauce, and an avocado salad.  "Bon Appetite"

score: 89

price: $14 - $17

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity