WTN: 2003 Martini "Napa Valley" Cabernet Sauvignon

I remember reading that 03 was a roller coaster year for Cal Cabs. Unfortunately, this wine (one of our favorite producers) must have ended the year on the downside.

Grapey nose w/ lots of dill. Oakier than any Martini I’ve had to date. On the palate its flabby, unstructured and missing any sort of tannins or acidity. Down the drain with this one. Couldn’t even finish the wine in our glasses. Too bad.

Richard

[Jenise]

Gallo now owns Martini and even though there's supposedly someone named Martini making the wines, these aren't the wines old Louie made. Lots of oak, sweet, low acid...might be time to give up on them, Richard.

Jenise,

Aaah...the plot thickens. Oddly enough, Dina commented that the wine reminded her of a $6.00 Gallo Cab rather than a Martini wine. At the time, we laughed it off and attributed it to the vintage.

Richard

[Jenise]

Dina commented that the wine reminded her of a $6.00 Gallo Cab

She nailed it! It's a definite change in style, and not for the better. Too bad, because Martini was somewhat unique at being Martini. Now they're just like every other cheap bimbo wine.